SONAMURA: A massive jail-bharo movement swept through Sonamura sub-division on Monday as part of the nationwide agitation by Left mass organisations, with 2,056 demonstrators arrested after a brief scuffle broke out between protesters and police.
Jointly organised by CITU, Krishak Sabha, Tribal Ganamukti Parishad and the Tripura Khetmajoor Union, the march began from the CPM sub-divisional office, wound through the market area, and headed toward the Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s office. The administration blocked their path near the SDM office, prompting demonstrators to break through the police barricade, leading to their arrest and a momentary tussle with police. The detained protesters were later taken to a makeshift jail set up at Sonamura Town Hall.
Demonstrators pressed an 11-point charter, including repeal of the anti-worker labour codes, remunerative prices for farm produce, 200 days of MGNREGA work annually at Rs 700 daily wage, and a check on rising prices of electricity, petroleum products and daily essentials.
CPM Sonamura MLA and sub-divisional secretary Shyamal Chakraborty, district secretary Ratan Saha, and CITU sub-divisional secretary Ahidur Rahman led the protest. SDPO Abhijit Das said adequate security measures were in place throughout.