SHILLONG, Sept 21 - Assam Rifles informed here today that two columns of the paramilitary force have been rushed to Tripura where clashes broke out between CPI-M�s tribal wing and Indigenous Peoples� Front of Tripura (IPFT) on Wednesday.
�To bring the situation under control, the civil administration requisitioned two columns of Assam Rifles. The first column was dispatched immediately and reached the location in the wee hours this morning and the troops of 4 Assam Rifles staged a flag march and patrolled the streets of Jirania, to maintain law and order,� Assam Rifles officials said.
Over a hundred people sustained injuries and dozens of vehicles were damaged as the supporters of the CPI (M) Rajaer Upajati Ganamukti Parishad (RUGP) and IPFT clashed in different places of Khowai and Jirania sub-division in Tripura over the last couple of days.
Despite relative peace in the affected areas, no relaxation was allowed and flag marches were carried out to build confidence among the locals and discourage miscreants to take advantage of the situation.
�The second column of Assam Rifles troops is currently waiting for further orders at Agartala,� officials added.
Meanwhile, Shillong Press Club today expressed �deep grief and angst� over the killing of journalist Shantanu Bhowmik in Tripura allegedly by members of IPFT.
�While extending deepest sympathies to the loved ones of late Shantanu, Shillong Press Club iterates its demand that such crimes against members of the fourth estate be addressed in the strongest of measures by the powers that be at the earliest,� a statement said.
