AGARTALA, June 22 (TIWN): IPFT’s scheduled statewide strike on Wednesday likely to escalate communal tensions as former militants backed separatist party demanding ‘Twipra Land’ – a proposed separate State dividing Tripura. Due to 24 hours strike called by unruly IPFT to disrupt railways, NH-44 and State’s transportation, State administration not taking any chances on compromising law & order situation. SP West Abhijit Saptashi while talking to TIWN said, ‘Police forces determined to maintain peace during IPFT’s 1 day long strike on June 22’. SP west said that, ‘Sadhupara, under Chandra Sadhan Police Station, is kept under special observation ’. ‘IPFT had declared to block roads, railways from Wednesday morning to Thursday morning’ added SP West. ‘The road blockades held at Jirania and Baramura areas mostly’, said SP. Asking SP about the law & order and security during the strike he mentioned, ‘We had a peace talk with IPFT leaders and they agreed to cooperate with police to maintain the peace’. ‘But police security is tighten so that no chances of clashes remains’, said Saptarshi. Asking about the security on hilly areas, as Bengali and Tribal clashes may develop, SP ensured, ‘Security has been tightened in this regard and continuously police will be place to place’, said SP.

It’s worthy to mention here that on June 8 during IPFT’s press meet party had declared about the strike to be held on June  22.

IPFT sticking to a single demand for a separate state ‘Twipra Land’ with the sole aim to disturb Tribal-Bengali communal harmony prevailing since 1980s in Tripura.

Tripura’s former militants backed divisive politics further generating momentum among some tribal youths due to massive unemployment in CPI-M era.

Slamming the ruling CPI-Govt. IPFT vice-president said that the Tribal Welfare Dept.’s reports are different from ADC original reports, which is a major reason behind the lack of development of ADC areas. IPFT also alleged that on 18th February, 2016 central govt. had allocated Rs. 175.95 crores for ADC development. That fund was ordered to utilize in the development of ADC, but till day no fund has been transferred to ADC, claimed the Vice president of IPFT.

Protesting against CPI-M Govt’s apathy, IPFT raising demands for separate state ‘Twipra Land’ but IPFT’s divisive politics are against Tripura’s communal harmony.

TTAADC, which is autonomous and playing a key role in the socio-economic development of tribals, has jurisdiction over two-thirds of Tripura's geographical area of 10,491.69 sq km.

Over 12.16 lakh people, more than 90 per cent of whom are tribals, reside in the areas administered by the ADC.

CPI-M controlled ADC is responsible for creation of IPFT kind of outfits as Tribals in Tripura are deprived in many vital segments. Some political parties are exploiting the sentiment of the tribals.

As a part of counter attack, opposing IPFT’s ‘Bandh’ CPI-M State Secretary via a press meet on June 12 expressed CPI-M’s strong objection about IPFT’s statewide strike on June 22 demand of further diving Tripura.  CPI-M also organized various rallies in protest of IPFT Strike.

IPFT rather than creating political pressure on CPI-M to improve governance in ADC areas, now chosen to play divisive politcs of strikes and demand for 'Twipra Land'.