CPI(M) demands reinforcement of security in parts of Tripura

Agartala, Feb 19 (UNI) The Tripura CPI(M) today demanded reinforcement of security forces in the interior parts of Gandacherra in Dhalai district, following a sudden spurt in militant activities.

In a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner, CPI(M) Secretariat member Gautam Das alleged that National Liberation Front of Tripura militants had set ablaze the party's election office in tribal dominated Boalkhali area last night as well as torched four shops and one house of their supporters.

''Besides, election materials inside the party office were reduced to ashes. This has triggered fear and tension in the locality,'' Mr Das said and alleged that the opposition Congress-INPT alliance was using the outlawed extremists to mar the election, as they were trying to force mass exodus from the area.

He further alleged that the Congress and INPT leaders were mobilising banned NLFT and BNCT militants in CPI (M) dominated tribal areas of eastern and north-western parts of the state to help the opposition's vote bank.

'' We are apprehending that the militants would intensify attacks and depredations on the innocent citizens in particular pockets ahead of the polls and hence demand deployment of more central paramilitary forces for an extensive operation in all sensitive locations,'' Mr Das added.

UNIT BB RAr DB2029