The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) strongly condemns the gruesome attack on CPI(M) leaders and cadres in Charilam, Tripura on November 30, which has resulted in the killing of a Party member, Shahid Miah and injuries to many others.
The violent attack by BJP goons took place when the Party cadres had gone to reopen the local committee office in Charilam in Sepahijala district, which had been forcibly shut down for the past four and a half years.
In this brazen attack by BJP goons, not only was Shahid Miah killed but many others seriously injured, including senior leader Bhanu Lal Saha, MLA and former Finance Minister. This violence typifies the state of affairs in Tripura ever since the BJP government came to office in February 2018. The CPI(M) and other opposition parties are not allowed to function freely, run their offices or conduct normal political activities. With assembly elections just two months away, the ruling party, with the connivance of the administration and police, continues to terrorise political opponents.
The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) demands that the police take firm action to apprehend the culprits responsible for the killing and violence and take strict action against them. Democracy and democratic rights must be restored in Tripura fully, if there has to be a free and fair election.