BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 1st December 2023: A political protest by the TIPRA Motha Party (TMP) caused a massive traffic jam and inconvenience to the locals in Khowai on Friday. The protesters, led by local MLA Ranjit Debbarma, blocked the 108-B National Highway in Padmabil area from 8 am to 2 pm, demanding that he be invited to various administrative functions.
Debbarma, who represents the Ramchandraghat assembly constituency, accused the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Padmabil of working for the ruling party and ignoring his views. He said that he was never invited to any government events and was treated as an outsider. He demanded the immediate removal of the BDO.
Hundreds of vehicles were stranded on both sides of the road due to the blockade. The common people, especially the day labourers and small traders, suffered financially and emotionally. They expressed their anger and frustration at the protesters for creating unnecessary trouble over a trivial issue.
The police and the administration officials tried to persuade the protesters to clear the road, but they refused to budge. It was only after the intervention of the District Magistrate Chandni Chandran that the blockade was lifted. Chandan spoke to the TMP leaders, including Debbarma, and assured them that he would look into their grievances and take appropriate action.
The traffic flow resumed after the protesters dispersed. The locals breathed a sigh of relief and hoped that such incidents would not recur. They also urged the political parties to respect the public interest and avoid creating chaos.
