LF opposes 12 hour bandh call by NSUI on Feb 19

Agartala, Feb 16 (UNI) The CPI(M)-led Left Front Government has opposed the proposed NSUI-sponsored dawn-to-dusk Tripura bandh on February 19.

The ruling party appealed to the people to foil the bandh, which, it said was called in connection with false allegations against distribution of government jobs to the unemployed against huge amount.

The Left Front condemned yesterday's violent incident resorted to by the NSUI activists and the Congress at IGM Hospital, Chowmohuni here during submission of a memorandum to Chief Secretary Sashi Prakash in support of NSUI's charter of demands.

The National Students Union of India (NSUI) called for the bandh in protest against the police attacks yesterday which left more than 150 members injured. They also demanded a statement from Chief Minister Manik Sarkar over the ''malpractices'' in issuing appointment letters to the unemployed people in the education department.

At least 50 policemen, including the OC of Agartala West Police station and more than 150 agitating NSUI activists were seriously injured in a pitched battle yesterday when police erected a barricade to stop the protestors from marching towards the office of the Chief Secretary as part of its 'Mahakaran Abhiyan' programme.

Police denied that they had resorted to firing, as reported by a section of the media. Sources said the agitators pelted stones at the security personnels.

UNI