Ruling BJP and Opposition TIPRA Motha supporters raged Takarjala area on Monday as they clashed violently which left several injured including Officer-in-Charge (OC) of the Takarjala Police Station and security personnel. Few motorcycles were also damaged in the pitched battles between the two rivals. It was reported that TIPRA Motha activists first started the violence as they attacked the BJP workers and leaders.
The incident unfolded during a pre-scheduled program organized by BJP activists of Takarjala Mandal, who had arranged a Karyakarta Sammelon (party worker’s conference) at the Bukrui Community Hall near the Jampuijala Block. BJP sources explained that the supporters were engaged in canvassing activities in the Takarjala Constituency to ensure the success of the conference.
However, tensions escalated when a group of TMP activists reportedly set up barricades on the roads leading to Takarjala and Jampuijala, attempting to prevent BJP activists from attending the conference. Despite these reported disruptions by TMP activists, the conference proceeded as scheduled.
The conference featured the presence of State BJP President Rajib Bhattacharjee, Minister Shambhu Lal Chakma, BJP Sepahijala District (North) President Gouranga Bhowmik, former MLA of Golaghati Birendra Kishore Debbarma, President of Takarjala Mandal Rabindra Debbarma, along with BJP activists and supporters.
Trouble erupted after the conclusion of the conference. Local sources claimed that a group of TMP supporters chased down BJP activists to Hariapara in Takarjala and assaulted them. Subsequently, Hariapara became a battleground, causing widespread panic in the area, leading villagers to seek refuge in safer locations.
In the clash, OC of Takarjala, Rathindra Debbarma, sustained injuries, along with three other security personnel and four additional individuals. Local sources, however, suggested that the number of injured individuals may be as high as 11, including two security personnel.
BJP leaders who attended the conference managed to escape unharmed. However, local MLA Biswajit Kaloi attributed the violence to BJP supporters. Meanwhile, a significant police contingent was deployed to the area to quell tensions. As of now, the situation remains under control, albeit with simmering tension.
