CPI(ML) Backs Strike Over Comrade's Murder Amid Political Tensions in Tripura

The CPI(ML) Liberation, Tripura backs a 12-hour strike called by the Left Front following the murder of CPI(M) candidate Badal Shil. The incident has sparked accusations between CPI(M) and BJP, while the government urges essential services to remain operational during the bandh.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation, Tripura, has declared its support for the 12-hour strike orchestrated by the Left Front on Sunday, following the murder of CPI(M) Zilla Parishad candidate, Comrade Badal Shil. On July 11, Comrade Shil had submitted his nomination papers for the South Tripura District Council polls. The following day, he was viciously attacked by unidentified miscreants. Despite being rushed to GB Hospital in Agartala and undergoing surgery, Shil succumbed to his injuries later that day.

The CPI(ML) Tripura State Committee has expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to Shil's family, condemning the murder in strong terms. A statement from the CPI(M) accused BJP goons of attacking Shil with sharp weapons while on his way to file his nomination. The call for a 12-hour bandh in Tripura was a response to this act of violence. "Red Salute to Comrade Badal Shil!" the CPI(M) declared on the social media platform X.

Conversely, the Tripura BJP has accused the CPI(M) of politicizing the incident. BJP spokesperson Nabendu Bhattacharjee asserted that CPI(M) has a history of employing violence politically. He assured that the police, under the Chief Minister's directive, are actively investigating the event. Bhattacharjee emphasized the need for eyewitnesses, regardless of political affiliation, to come forward and assist with the investigation.

Meanwhile, the Tripura government has issued directives to ensure that essential services remain operational during the bandh. The Secretary of the Government of Tripura, PK Chakravarty, emphasized in a memorandum that any violation of these instructions by government employees would be taken seriously. Department heads were instructed to relay these orders to their subordinates to maintain normalcy during the strike.