Clashes broke out between activists of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) in Tripura’s Khowai district on Wednesday, sparking political tension across the region.

Nearly two persons suffered injuries in the violence that erupted in Beltala around 2:30 PM, when a rally by CPI(M) workers was passing through the area.

According to the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Khowai, a team of police officers that was rushed to the spot lathi-charged the trouble-makers to bring the situation under control.

A suo-moto case will be filed by the police to find out the circumstances that led to the clashes. Both CPI(M) and the BJP, however, claimed that some of their activists were injured in the clashes.

Led by the party state committee member Pabitra Kar and MLA Nirmal Das, around 3,000 CPI(M) members and supporters had embarked on a rally from Khowai to Paschim Singicherra, seeking employment for the youth of this northeastern state, which is set to go to polls early next year.

“A group of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha supporters attacked the rally at Beltala in presence of CRPF jawans. In self defence, our party’s supporters also retaliated strongly, leading to a scuffle between the two sides. Four of our supporters were injured in the violence,” Kar stated.

One of the injured persons was taken to Khowai hospital as he was hit on the head, the CPI(M) leader said, adding that the BJP attacked the rally “without any provocation”.

BJP legislator – Pinaki Das Chowdhury, who is also the party’s Khowai district president, alleged that the CPI(M) cadres launched an attack on saffron camp supporters in Beltala.

“Four party supporters were seriously injured in the attack. Of them, three were referred to GBP Hospital as their condition was be critical. We will lodge complaints against the attackers,” Chowdhury added.