Agartala, Oct 14: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has strongly criticised the BJP-led Manik Saha government in Tripura for allegedly denying permission to observe its annual Martyrs Day at Birchandra Manu in South Tripura district — an event that commemorates the death of 13 CPI(M) leaders and supporters in 1988.
The day marks the Birchandra Manu massacre of October 12, 1988, when 13 people, including 11 CPI(M) workers, were killed during the Congress–TUJS regime. The CPI(M) has traditionally held a memorial programme at the site every year, but claims it has been denied permission for several years under the current government.
CPI(M) Accuses Govt of Undermining Democratic Values
In a Facebook post on Sunday, CPI(M) Tripura secretary Jitendra Chaudhury alleged that despite following due procedure and formally seeking permission from the local police, the authorities refused to allow the observance.
“I have personally informed the District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police of the South district about the Martyrs Day programme, but they did not give permission,” Chaudhury stated.
He clarified that the BJP was not connected to the 1988 incident, as the party had no presence in Tripura at the time. However, he accused the current administration of disrespecting democratic principles by repeatedly denying permission for the event.
“Unfortunately, they have not allowed us to observe ‘Martyrs’ Day’ for the past five to six years. It shows their disrespect for democratic values,” he added.
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CPI(M) Office Allegedly Set on Fire
Chaudhury also alleged that the CPI(M) party office at Paticherra, near Birchandra Manu, was set on fire on Saturday night, just a day before the scheduled programme.
“BJP workers created a terror-like situation at Birchandra Manu. A group of them poured petrol on our party office and set it ablaze. Earlier too, the office had been attacked by ruling party supporters,” he claimed.
Local police are yet to issue an official statement regarding the alleged arson incident.
Tributes Paid Across Tripura
Despite the denial of permission, CPI(M) observed ‘Martyrs’ Day’ across the state on Sunday through district-level programmes, paying floral tributes to those who were killed in the 1988 massacre.
Party leaders said the observance will continue “in every corner of Tripura” to honor the memory of the fallen comrades, “regardless of political obstruction.”
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