Minister convoy attacked at Manik Bazar, five injured; vehicles damaged

Amid high-voltage campaigning for the Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections in Tripura, a violent clash between rival political workers turned ugly on Sunday evening at Manik Bazar under Teliamura in Khowai district.

A group of alleged Tipra Motha Party (TMP) supporters reportedly attacked the convoy of Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma, leaving at least five BJP workers injured and damaging several vehicles.

According to reports, the miscreants resorted to indiscriminate stone pelting, resulting in severe damage to multiple vehicles, including the Minister’s car. Following the incident, a large contingent of police personnel rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control and prevent further escalation.

Speaking to media persons outside Teliamura Hospital, Minister Bikash Debbarma alleged that he had received information that three to four BJP workers were being forcibly detained by some Tipra Motha supporters at Manik Bazar. Acting on the information, he, along with party workers, rushed to the area to secure their release.

The Minister stated that as his convoy reached near the SPO camp at Manik Bazar, a group of Tipra Motha supporters launched a sudden attack and began pelting stones at the vehicles.

“As a result, five to six vehicles, including my personal car, were badly damaged, and at least four to five BJP workers sustained injuries,” he said.

He added that his security personnel managed to protect them, and the injured were immediately shifted to Teliamura Hospital for treatment.

Meanwhile, tension continues to prevail in the Manik Bazar area, with heavy deployment of security forces to maintain law and order.