AGARTALA, NOV 23: Warning that people will not forget the recent spate of violence, Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman on Sunday held the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state government responsible for introducing a “culture of political violence” in Tripura’s hill areas, where fear has reportedly gripped residents following the burning of party offices and violent clashes at Khumulwng.
At a press conference organized by the Pradesh Congress Committee on Sunday, November 23, the legislator spoke out against the increasing political violence in the hills and made a passionate appeal for peace. “Abandon the path of violence because violence is never the final answer. Bring smiles to people’s faces and hearts, and you will see there is no greater achievement than this,” Barman stated while expressing strong reactions to recent violent incidents in the Khumulwng area.
The Congress MLA alleged that while disturbances had took place in Khumulwng in the past, they were never political in nature. “There were no incidents of political clashes in the hills in the past—this can be verified by reviewing old news reports. But why is it happening now? Essentially, this trend has been visible since the BJP came to power. This culture has come to the state with this government,” he claimed.
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Barman further emphasized that people have sharp memories and will not forget what is currently happening in the state. He stated that the people of the state want peace and do not want violence and terror, adding that the sooner a message of peace can be brought, the better.
Referring to recent controversial remarks by Tripura’s Forest Minister and TIPRA Motha Party leader Animesh Debbarma, the Congress legislator said such comments are not a good sign for the state’s administrative and political environment. He mentioned that fear has spread in the hills following the Khumulwng incident, and the government cannot evade responsibility for this.
According to Barman, the incidents currently occurring in the state include the burning of political party offices, issues surrounding the Home Affairs department, and concerns related to the “One North East” slogan, among other matters. He called for action to be taken against those involved in the incidents without considering party affiliation, stressing that such incidents should not occur in the future.
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In response to journalists’ questions, the MLA pointed out that opposition allegations are not baseless, as evidenced by statements from the government’s own coalition partners. “If opposition allegations are unreasonable, then a response should come from the government side. However, if coalition partners themselves indirectly validate what the opposition is saying, then the question remains—is the government truly failing to keep the situation under control?” he questioned.
Meanwhile, Barman also made sharp criticism regarding the Chief Minister, Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha’s claims about improved health services in the state. “The Chief Minister says the health system is improving. But when any political leader falls ill, they are admitted to private hospitals. So the question remains, how much has the state’s health infrastructure really improved? If leaders do not trust government hospitals, how can ordinary people trust them?” he remarked.
At the conference, the Congress legislator called for restoring a peaceful political environment, asserting that politics is for the people. “Therefore, stopping political violence and working for people’s welfare should be everyone’s primary responsibility,” he said.
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He appealed to all political parties to take a joint initiative to maintain a stable environment in the hills and ensure that the current atmosphere of fear and violence comes to an end.