Tripura Panel to assess benefits for families affected by political violence
CM Manik Saha Pays Homage to Tapan Bhowmik’s Family, Provides Financial Assistance of Rs 2 Lakh After Post-Election Attack
On Wednesday, Tripura’s Chief Minister, Manik Saha, announced the formation of a committee within his government tasked with reviewing and determining the appropriate measures for the families affected by political violence-related casualties in the state.
The government passed a compensation law in 2018 to cover families that were victims of assaults, mob violence etc.
Saha visited the home of Tapan Bhowmik, who died after being assaulted by miscreants after the Assembly election results were announced, at Gorkhabasti in Agartala and handed over a cheque of Rs 2 lakh to his family.
Speaking to reporters, Saha said, “Some miscreants brutally assaulted him on March 2 this year, when the Assembly election results were announced. Everyone knows who they are. It is well known that they are associated with the communist party. Police are dealing with the issue. They have got anticipatory bail. Our party and the government will look into it”.
On the cheque handed over to the family, Saha said the BJP gave Rs 2 lakh compensation to families that lost someone to political violence. “It got a bit late to hand this money over to them. We gave them the cheque today. As for those who perpetrated this crime, they will not be allowed to go scot-free at any cost. We are also considering if a government job can be given to someone from the family,” he said.
“We formed a committee in a cabinet meeting held yesterday to review what can be done for relatives of people who die in such political violence,” he said.
While the ruling BJP has been alleging that its supporters were victims of political violence, the Opposition CPM and Congress have accused the former of attacking their leaders and cadres since the poll results.
On April 10, former chief minister and CPM politburo member Manik Sarkar met Saha with a six-member delegation and flagged 2016 incidents of post-result violence, including five deaths, and sought his intervention and proper compensation for affected families.
“Elections are over now. The BJP has formed a government. It has to ensure that all organisations, parties and individuals can carry out their democratic activities, failing which peace and stability are impossible. Means of livelihood are under attack, including attacks on rubber plantations, agriculture fields and water bodies. We sought to draw the CM’s attention to these facts,” Sarkar told the media later.
Source: The Indian Express
