The Tipra Motha Party has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Tripura Police and State Election Commission (SEC).
The party wants the authorities to arrest those allegedly involved in the firing on its candidate during the Village Committee elections.
The incident took place in Gomati district on September 28. Tipra Motha candidate Khachindra Reang and two supporters were injured during the incident.
On September 29, a party delegation met State Election Commission Secretary Anurag Sen in Agartala. The leaders submitted a memorandum seeking immediate action.
Candidate Injured During Polling
According to Tipra Motha, Reang was attacked during polling at Wareng Bari in Gomati district.
The party said Reang suffered a gunshot wound to his stomach. One of his supporters also suffered a gunshot injury to the leg, according to the memorandum.
Reang was initially taken to a local hospital. He was later shifted to GB Pant Hospital in Agartala for further treatment.
Police and other security personnel reached the area after the incident.
Reports from the area said the firing led to tension among local residents and party supporters.
Party Demands Immediate Arrests
Senior Tipra Motha leader and MLA Ranjit Debbarma led the delegation to the State Election Commission.
After the meeting, Debbarma said the party had given the authorities 24 hours to arrest those responsible.
He said the party would decide its next course of action if the authorities failed to meet the deadline.
The party also criticised the police response.
Debbarma alleged that the police had information about people who were present at the scene. However, he claimed that arrests had not been made when the delegation met the SEC.
These allegations were made by Tipra Motha. Police authorities have not established responsibility for the shooting in the reports reviewed.
Tipra Motha Seeks Stronger Security
The party has also demanded stronger security measures in the affected area.
Tipra Motha wants additional security around Gamaria Village Committee. It has also sought protection for the injured candidate and his family.
The party further demanded security for other candidates and party workers.
According to the party, stronger security is necessary to prevent further violence, intimidation or retaliation after the polls.
Violence Triggers Tension in Gomati
The firing was followed by further tension in parts of Gomati district.
Protesters reportedly blocked roads and demanded the immediate arrest of those accused in the shooting.
Security forces, including police and other personnel, were deployed in the area to prevent further escalation.
Tripura Times reported that Gomati district Superintendent of Police Anirban Das was also injured during a later clash. The report said a vehicle belonging to the Udaipur SDPO was vandalised.
The incidents added to concerns over security during the Village Committee elections.
Police Begin Investigation
The police have begun investigating the firing incident.
Reports said efforts were underway to identify and arrest those responsible. The identities of the alleged attackers had not been conclusively established in the reports available.
Some Tipra Motha supporters alleged that people linked to the BJP were behind the attack. However, that allegation has not been independently established.
One report quoted a Tipra Motha leader as saying that identifying those responsible was the responsibility of the police.
Election Security Comes Under Focus
The incident has raised questions about security during the TTAADC Village Committee elections.
Polling was held across the tribal areas of Tripura on September 28. More than 80 per cent of eligible voters reportedly cast their ballots.
Officials said polling remained largely peaceful across most districts. However, Gomati witnessed incidents of violence, including the shooting involving the Tipra Motha candidate.
The incidents have since become a major political issue in the state.
Party Seeks SEC Intervention
Tipra Motha has asked the State Election Commission to take immediate action.
The party wants the commission to ensure accountability for the alleged attack. It has also called for steps to prevent similar incidents during the post-poll period.
The delegation said the incident was particularly serious because it occurred during an election.
The SEC has received the party’s memorandum. Further details about any action by the commission were not immediately available in the reports reviewed.
24-Hour Deadline Now in Focus
The next 24 hours will be important for the Tipra Motha leadership and the authorities.
The party has made the arrest of the alleged attackers its immediate demand. It has also warned that it will announce its next course of action if the deadline passes without arrests.
Meanwhile, police continue their investigation into the firing.
For now, the identities of those responsible remain under investigation. The authorities are also facing pressure to maintain peace in the affected areas following the election-related violence.