Militancy, major issue in Tripura election

Agartala, Feb 14: Amidst allegations and counter-allegations of different parties in view of the February 23 Tripura Assembly polls, the militant activities has gradually taken a centre-stage in campaigns.

Reacting to a comment made by Congress leader Birajit Sinha on former chief minister late Dasharath Dev, that he had triggered insurgency in the state, CPI(M) spokesperson Gautam Das said Congress leaders were distorting the history and misguiding the people.

He further alleged that Congress leader Bibhu Kumari Devi was responsible for encouraging terrorism in the state and added, ''Under the banner of the Tripura Upajati Gana Muki Parishad, leaders like Dasharath Dev, Aghore Debbarma and Hemanta Debbbarma struggled against the state sponsored terror.'' CPI(M) All India General Secretary Prakash Karat, also during a recent election rally, has alleged that during the tenure of the former Prime Minister late Rajiv Gandhi, militancy in the state was encouraged to unseat the then Left Front government, which was derogatory.

UNI