IPFT General Secretary Swapan Debbarma was allegedly assaulted by Tipra Motha supporters near Hezamara Block office. Minister Shukla Charan Noatia condemned the attack, called for immediate legal action, urged party workers to remain calm, and stressed peaceful democratic elections.
Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT) General Secretary Swapan Debbarma was allegedly assaulted and his car vandalised by suspected supporters of the Tipra Motha Party near the Hezamara R.D. Block office, triggering strong condemnation from IPFT leaders and calls for immediate legal action.
According to Debbarma, the incident occurred when he arrived at the Hezamara block office to meet the Returning Officer (RO). He said that after he parked his vehicle and was about to enter the office, a group of alleged assailants suddenly surrounded the car and launched what he described as an unprovoked attack.
The vehicle was reportedly vandalised while Debbarma was inside. His driver managed to evade the attackers and contacted police personnel stationed near the block office. Police officers subsequently reached the location and intervened to rescue Debbarma.
During the rescue operation, Debbarma sustained injuries to his head. He was initially taken to Mohanpur hospital, where he received preliminary treatment. Given the severity of his injuries, he was later referred to the trauma care centre at GBP Hospital for advanced medical attention.
Debbarma alleged that the attackers continued their assault even after he identified himself as a senior IPFT leader. He said he initially believed the attackers might have mistaken his identity.
“I thought they were mistaken to recognise me. When I tried to alert them that I am a senior leader of IPFT, the intensity of attack increased,” Debbarma said, according to the statement provided.
The incident drew an immediate response from IPFT leader and Tripura Minister Shukla Charan Noatia, who visited GBP Hospital to inquire about Debbarma’s condition. Noatia strongly condemned the incident and described political violence as unacceptable in a democratic society.
Following the incident, a high-level meeting was held in Agartala with members of the IPFT Central Executive Committee (CEC). The emergency meeting focused on the alleged attack, the security situation and measures required to prevent further political violence at the grassroots level.
Noatia said directives had been issued to law enforcement authorities to identify, trace and arrest those responsible for the alleged attack without delay. He also called for a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify any individuals involved in attempts to disturb peace in the area.
The IPFT leadership also appealed to party workers and supporters to remain calm and exercise restraint while the law takes its course. The party stressed that any response to the incident should remain within the framework of the law.
The alleged assault has also raised concerns over the political implications of the incident, particularly because the IPFT, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Tipra Motha are contesting the Village Council General Election as an alliance.
Noatia said that violence involving members or supporters of alliance partners could undermine the unity and purpose of the political arrangement. He urged workers and supporters of all parties to uphold the integrity of the alliance and contribute to a peaceful election environment.
In his condemnation, Noatia said political violence should end immediately across Tripura and appealed to all political workers to maintain peace and patience.
The incident has added tension to the ongoing electoral atmosphere, with the IPFT leadership calling for swift action by the authorities. The party has maintained that those responsible for the alleged attack must face legal consequences.
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Meanwhile, the condition of Swapan Debbarma is being monitored following his treatment. IPFT leaders have expressed wishes for his speedy recovery and reiterated their demand for a peaceful and secure environment for political activities and the electoral process.
Authorities are expected to investigate the incident and determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault and vandalism. Any allegations against individuals or political supporters will be subject to investigation and due legal process.
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The IPFT leadership has maintained that political differences must not lead to violence and has called upon all parties and their supporters to ensure that the Village Council General Election is conducted peacefully, safely and democratically.
