The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), along with the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), Tripura Khet Mazdoor Union (TKMU), and Ganamukti Parishad (GMP), has called for a large-scale ‘Jail Bharo’ (court arrest) agitation in Tripura on August 10 as part of a nationwide protest programme. The organizations aim to mobilize nearly one million participants across the country.

Addressing a press conference in Agartala on Friday at CITU office, CITU Tripura state general secretary Sankar Prasad Datta said the programme will be organized in continuation of the annual observance of the historic August 9, 1942, movement against British rule. Since August 9 falls on a Sunday this year, the nationwide protest has been rescheduled to August 10.

The press conference was attended by CITU state president and former minister  Manik Dey, farmer leader Pabitra Kar, Shyamal Dey, and Madhusudan Das.

The organizations announced an 11-point charter of demands, including the repeal of the labour codes, alleging that they are anti-worker, and opposing their implementation in Tripura. Other key demands include providing 200 days of work under MGNREGA with a daily wage of Rs 700, ensuring regular employment under the TWEP scheme, reducing the prices of petrol, diesel, LPG and other essential commodities, and guaranteeing farmers a minimum support price based on the C2+50% formula for their produce.

The organizations also demanded the immediate passage of the 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill to provide greater powers to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), construction of houses for poor and homeless families under government responsibility, urgent repair of all dilapidated roads including National Highways, withdrawal of increased electricity tariffs and cancellation of smart meters, strict action against corruption at all levels, regular pay scales for irregular employees along with higher wages for workers, and stronger measures to curb violence against women while ensuring their safety.

Sankar Prasad Datta expressed confidence that a large number of people from across Tripura would participate in the August 10 ‘Jail Bharo’ movement, which will be centrally organized in Agartala.

While, speaking in the press meet Shyamal Dey criticized the Central government over the implementation of MGNREGA and demanded that the scheme be strengthened and effectively implemented.

Manik Dey alleged that the present BJP government was interfering with democratic institutions in a manner comparable to British rule. He further claimed that public assets were being privatized, the independence of the judiciary had been undermined, and also levelled allegations of corruption in connection with the Ram Temple.

AIKS leader Pabitra Kar highlighted the challenges faced by farmers and stressed the need for sustained mass movements to address their issues.

They said the August 10 agitation would be held across the country under the joint banner of CITU, AIKS, Tripura Khet Mazdoor Union and GMP to press for the implementation of their 11-point demands.