Left-affiliated organisations’ Assembly march sees scuffle with police; few injured

Members of Left-affiliated organisations, including the All-India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), Upajati Ganamukti Parishad (GMP), and Tripura Khet Mazdoor Union, were involved in a scuffle with police on Wednesday during a march towards the Assembly. The rally was organised to press for a 12-point charter of demands concerning farmers, jhum cultivators, and agricultural labourers.

The confrontation initially broke out in front of the Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan, where police attempted to stop the rally. Protesters reportedly broke through barricades and proceeded towards the Assembly, escalating tensions further.

The march was part of a statewide call for a “Vidhan Sabha Abhiyan” (Assembly campaign). Vijoo Krishnan, General Secretary of AIKS, was present at the rally. Other prominent leaders included Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury, AIKS state secretary Pabitra Kar, Ganamukti Parishad secretary Radhacharan Debbarma, and Khet Mazdoor Union secretary Shyamal De.

During the protest, Pabitra Kar issued a warning to the police over attempts to obstruct what he termed a democratic movement. He, along with several CPI(M) workers, sustained minor injuries during the scuffle.

Speaking to the media persons, Kar alleged that police resorted to a lathi charge without provocation during what he described as a peaceful protest. He strongly condemned the alleged police action and asserted that the agitation would continue until their demands are fulfilled.

Addressing the gathering, leaders raised several key demands, including ensuring adequate supply of fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides at all agricultural service centres, and maintaining irrigation projects throughout the farming season. They also called for expansion of the MGNREGA to guarantee 200 days of work annually with a daily wage of Rs 600.

The organisations further demanded greater autonomy and financial powers for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council through the proposed 125th Constitutional Amendment, along with immediate village committee elections.

Other demands included procurement of paddy at a minimum support price based on the C2+50% formula recommended by the Swaminathan Commission, establishment of procurement centres in every block, compensation for farmers affected by crop damage, and strict action against those responsible.

Additionally, the protesters sought loan waivers, access to low-interest agricultural credit, protection from wild animal attacks, free inputs for jhum cultivation, and subsidies for rubber growers. They also opposed any amendments to forest conservation laws that would allow transfer of forest land to corporate entities.