Suspected militants beat up 45 tribals

Agartala, Feb 21 (UNI) At least 45 people were injured in a pre-poll violence at Ampura area under Ramchandraghat constituency in West Tripura.

According to official sources, 22 of the injured were shifted to the Agartala Government Medical College in critical condition late last night and others were undergoing treatment in Khowai sub-divisional hospital.

Police said, people, mostly tribals, owing allegience to CPI(M), were attacked by miscreants on their way home from a party meeting.

The criminals roughed them up severely and allegedly threatened them not to cast the votes on February 23 election to the Tripura assembly.

A huge contingent of paramilitary forces rushed to the spot and the authorities deployment extra forces in the area and urged the people to maintain peace.

''We have announced that security would be provided to every voter, so that they can exercise their franchise freely,'' said Tripura Police Chief K T D Singh and added that suspected BNCT militants were involved in the incident.

Earlier, the outfit had made postering in the area asking people to not to take part in the election.

Meanwhile, CPI(M) state committee accused the opposition Congress- INPT alliance for the incident and stated that they were trying to trigger tension ahead of polls to keep the Left front supports away.

The party demanded immediate action against the culprits.

UNI BB BA SW SSC1310