CPI(M) Holds Protest in Khwai Over Alleged Election Violence, Seeks Free and Fair Polls

Khowai:: The CPI(M) has raised allegations of political violence, attacks, threats and intimidation in connection with the upcoming Khwai Municipal Council elections. Protesting against alleged attacks on opposition candidates and their supporters, the party organised a rally and protest meeting on Friday. The CPI(M) Khwai Sub-Divisional Committee also submitted a memorandum to the Officer-in-Charge of Khwai Police Station, demanding an atmosphere conducive to free, peaceful and impartial elections.

The protest march began at the CPI(M) sub-divisional office and proceeded through various streets of the town before culminating in front of the main gate of Khwai Police Station. A protest meeting was subsequently held at the spot. Those present included CPI(M) MLA and Khwai Sub-Divisional Committee Secretary Nirmal Biswas, party State Committee member Palash Bhowmik, Left leader Gautam Pal and other party leaders, workers and supporters.

Addressing the gathering, Left leaders alleged that an atmosphere of unrest had been developing in different parts of the Khwai municipal area since November 2, the day nomination papers were filed. They claimed that opposition candidates and their supporters were being prevented from carrying out election-related activities and that attempts were being made to intimidate them. The leaders further alleged that incidents of attacks, threats and intimidation were disrupting the normal electoral environment.

The memorandum submitted to the police specifically highlighted alleged attacks on the residences of Ratan Das, proposer of a candidate from Ward No. 8, and Kaushik Ghosh, proposer of a candidate from Ward No. 10. According to the CPI(M), family members were assaulted and household property was damaged in these incidents.

The memorandum also referred to an alleged attack on November 4 night at the residence of CPI(M) candidate from Ward No. 9, Kanu Pal, and his wife. The party claimed that Kanu Pal sustained serious injuries in the incident and was subsequently shifted to Agartala for advanced medical treatment.

Following the protest meeting, a delegation led by MLA Nirmal Biswas visited Khwai Police Station and met Officer-in-Charge Prajit Malakar. The delegation formally submitted the memorandum, demanding impartial investigations into all the incidents mentioned and appropriate legal action against those accused.

The CPI(M) also called for adequate security for the affected families and the deployment of sufficient police and Tripura State Rifles (TSR) personnel in sensitive areas. It urged the administration to ensure that candidates, workers and supporters of all political parties could carry out their election-related activities without fear or obstruction.

The Left leadership further demanded that the authorities ensure voters can exercise their franchise freely, without intimidation, threats or undue influence. They stressed that the police administration must play an effective and responsible role in maintaining transparency, peace and impartiality throughout the democratic electoral process.