Agartala: Three separate complaints were filed on Friday against former Tripura CM and senior CPM leader Manik Sarkar at two police stations in Mohanpur subdivision of West Tripura, alleging that his recent statement — that “the country and the state will go on the path of militant movement” — could incite unrest and disturb public order. The complaints were lodged following his comments made during a protest programme in Agartala against the state and central govts.Sarkar, reacting to the development, accused the BJP-led govt of using police cases and administrative machinery to intimidate the opposition, asserting that such measures would not weaken the CPM or halt its political activities.The complaints were lodged by Jayanta Debnath and Indrajit Datta at Sidhai Police Station, and by Rajishing Debbarma at Lefunga Police Station. They pertain to comments Sarkar allegedly made during a political programme in Agartala on Aug 10, held as part of a protest against the state and central govts.The complainants claimed that Sarkar warned the agitation would intensify if the govts failed to act on an 11-point charter of demands, citing his reported remark: “The country and state will go on the path of militant movement”. They alleged the statement could be interpreted as a call for a more forceful form of protest and might provoke unrest.According to the complaints, the remark could encourage supporters to escalate demonstrations and disrupt peace, and might be misused by anti-social elements to incite violence or obstruct govt officials. The complainants have sought registration of a case under Sections 147, 148, 152 and 353(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with other relevant provisions related to abetment and criminal conspiracy.Responding to the allegations, Sarkar said his original statement had been distorted and presented selectively for political purposes. He accused the ruling party and the govt of attempting to divert attention from their failures by creating controversy around his remarks.“Today, I came to know that a complaint has been filed against me. These cases have been filed with the backing of the ruling BJP and the govt. They cannot subdue or intimidate us. Rather, such actions reflect the weakness of the government,” Sarkar said.He said the govt was trying to use its power and administrative machinery to put pressure on the opposition, but insisted that such measures would not stop the political movement.“It is not possible to stop the opposition’s political movement through intimidation. The people will give their answer,” he added.
