The BJP-led Tripura government on Saturday ordered a magisterial inquiry into the police firing which claimed the life of one protesting against the resettlement of displaced Brus in Kanchanpur sub-division. The government has also announced Rs 5 lakh as compensation to the family of the deceased.
Speaking in a press conference, Law minister Ratan Lal Nath said that magisterial level inquiry would be conducted by the North district magistrate Nagesh Kumar B and then submit the report ‘within one month.’
“The chief minister chaired an important meeting with the deputy chief minister in presence of director general of police and additional director general of police and took stock of the situation that led to open firing upon the protestors. We have announced a magisterial inquiry by the North district magistrate”, Nath said.
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He also said that one person namely—Srikanta Das (46) died in the firing. While a total of 23 persons including seven civilians and 15 from police and fire services, were injured in clashes.
Earlier, speaking with EastMojo, Sushanta Bikash Barua, convener of Joint Movement Committee (JMC) said that as part of a protest on Saturday, the members of JMC were holding a road blockade on the national highway.
“Our members were holding road blockades in three places—Chamtilla, Pecharthal, and Panisagar market area. All of sudden, a tribal Tripura State Rifles (TSR) jawan opened fired on the members,” Barua said.
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He also said that one of the injured, Srikanta Das, was hit by a bullet. He was rushed to the hospital, where he is in critical condition.
Speaking with reporters, members of JMC in Panisagar who were witnesses to the incident said that as part of their ongoing protest on Saturday, a road blockade was called for in parts of the North Tripura district and later the TSR forces opened fire.
Starting Monday, the Joint Movement Committee consisting of Bengali and Mizo organisations have called for an indefinite strike, alleging breach of promise by the Tripura government in the resettlement of Bru migrants in the Kanchanpur subdivision.
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The additional director general of police (ADG) (Law and order) Rajiv Singh said that many police personnel was injured in the attack carried out by the protestors.
“The protestors tried to attack over the security forces and even tried to snatch their weapons. There was no option left,” said Singh.
He also informed that around 23 persons including 12 police personnel were injured during the clash. Some of them have been referred to GBP hospital in Agartala.
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