Tripura CM warns ‘political hooligans and extortionists’ within BJP ranks
The Hindu
The Chief Minister asserted that the State government was committed to maintain law and order.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Sunday warned that the Special Task Force (STF), the latest security wing added to the State police, would act tough against “political hooligans and extortionists”. He admitted that a section of “misguided party (BJP) workers” have resorted to unethical activities and warned them of tough action .
“The government and the party [BJP] have been repeatedly appealing to and warning those who are committing criminal and unlawful activities. The STF which has been formed under the Crime Branch will also act against them,” Dr. Saha said in his speech at a voluntary blood donation programme here.
The Chief Minister said that the authorities had been repeatedly receiving complaints since the Assembly election held in February last. “The State government and the party made repeated appeals to the ‘misguided supporters’ to eschew unlawful means.”
Dr. Saha indirectly referred to complaints coming from the Opposition parties over “targeted attacks, intimidation and extortion” by a section of ruling party workers. A high-level CPI(M) delegation comprising former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, State Secretary Jitendra Chowdhury and former Deputy Speaker Pabitra Kar recently met Dr. Saha and gave a detailed account of politically motivated violent activities allegedly unfolded by the BJP workers.
“Disturbances are still being created in some areas. In this situation, we have decided to constitute the STF to tackle all means of hooliganism, extortion and mafia activities”, Dr. Saha said.
The Chief Minister asserted that the State government was committed to maintain law and order, and carry forward development activities in every sphere to achieve overall progress.
The Opposition Congress demanded that the government open the Gandhi Vatika Museum, depicting Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy and freedom struggle, built at a cost of ₹85 crore in Jaipur’s Central Park last year, during the Congress-led regime in Rajasthan. The museum has not been opened to the public, reportedly because of the administration’s engagements with the State Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.
Almaya Munnettam (Lay People to the Fore), group in the Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese of the Syro-Malabar Church opposed to the synod-recommended Mass, rejected a circular issued by Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil and apostolic administrator Bosco Puthur on June 9 to implement the unified Mass in the archdiocese from July 3.
Pakistan coach Gary Kirsten stated that “not so great decision making” contributed to his side’s defeat to India in the Group-A T20 World Cup clash here on Sunday. The batting unit came apart in the chase, after being well placed at 72 for two. With 48 runs needed from eight overs, Pakistan found a way to panic and lose. “Maybe not so great decision making,” Kirsten said at the post-match press conference, when asked to explain the loss.