Tripura Congress chief Asish Kumar Saha raises serious law and order concerns, demands CAPF deployment for ADC elections, citing political violence, Kamalpur attack, and administrative bias, warning of escalating unrest ahead of crucial polls.
Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee president Asish Kumar Saha on Thursday raised serious concerns over the prevailing law and order situation in the state, urging the Election Commission to deploy Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to ensure free and fair elections to the Tripura Autonomous District Council (ADC).
Addressing a press conference at Congress Bhavan in Agartala, Saha highlighted what he described as a deteriorating security environment in the run-up to the crucial ADC polls. He pointed to a recent incident in Kamalpur, located in Dhalai district, where several police personnel were reportedly injured during a mob attack. According to Saha, such incidents have instilled fear among voters and raised doubts about the administration’s ability to maintain peace during the elections.
“The entire state is witnessing political violence ahead of the ADC polls. These developments are creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, which is not conducive to democratic participation,” Saha said. He alleged that ruling party workers were engaging in violent activities to influence the electoral process and undermine opposition parties.
Saha further claimed that the situation had worsened since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in the state. He alleged that opposition parties, including the Congress, have faced sustained pressure over the past several years, with party offices and assets frequently targeted. He emphasized that such actions have weakened democratic institutions and limited political space for dissent.
Referring to tensions within the ruling alliance, Saha alleged that clashes between allied political groups had further destabilized the situation. “There is a visible conflict even among ruling partners, and this is directly affecting the lives of common citizens,” he stated.
The Congress leader also criticized the functioning of the state police and administration, alleging bias and lack of neutrality. “The police have been reduced to mere puppets of the ruling establishment. They are unable to act independently and enforce the law impartially,” he said. He expressed concern over instances where police personnel were forced to retreat during confrontations, suggesting that such developments could erode public confidence in law enforcement agencies.
Highlighting the Kamalpur incident, Saha said it was alarming to see security personnel being attacked and injured. “When police officers are not safe, it sends a very disturbing message to the public. It raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the law enforcement system,” he added.
In light of these concerns, Saha strongly advocated for the deployment of CAPF during the ADC elections. He argued that central forces would help maintain neutrality and prevent further escalation of violence. “Without adequate deployment of central armed forces, it will be extremely difficult to control the situation. There is a real risk of violence intensifying as the election dates approach,” he warned.
Saha also questioned the state government’s claims of good governance, alleging that repeated political clashes and rising insecurity had exposed significant gaps in administration. He further claimed that incidents of crime, including those against women, had increased, contributing to a sense of insecurity among the public.
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The remarks come against the backdrop of heightened political activity in Tripura ahead of the ADC polls, with multiple parties intensifying their campaigns. However, there was no immediate response from the ruling party regarding Saha’s allegations.
As the state prepares for the upcoming elections, concerns over security and fair conduct continue to dominate political discourse, with opposition leaders calling for stronger intervention to safeguard democratic processes.
