Agartala: The Democratic Women’s Association submitted a deputation at the Police Headquarters here on Tuesday, raising a series of demands centred on public interest issues. This was followed by a two-hour-long mass sit-in organised by the organisation at Paradise Chowmuhani.
Addressing the gathering during the sit-in, leaders of the organisation outlined three key demands before the authorities. These included curbing the continuous price rise of essential commodities such as petrol, diesel, and cooking gas; halting the withdrawal of children from Anganwadi centres; and stopping measures that shrink employment opportunities for Anganwadi workers and helpers across the state.
Alongside these demands, the organisation also raised the issue of the murder of Manisha Das, a staff member of Shantiniketan Medical College, demanding the swift arrest of those responsible and exemplary punishment for the accused.
Speaking to journalists after the conclusion of the programme, the leadership of the Democratic Women’s Association stated that to ensure a fair, impartial, and transparent investigation into the killing of Manisha Das, the probe should be conducted under the supervision of a sitting judge of the High Court. They further demanded that a complete and unbiased investigation be carried out without delay, with stringent action taken against those found guilty.
The organisation’s leaders criticised what they described as the government’s failure to control rising prices and protect employment opportunities for Anganwadi staff, calling it a matter of serious concern for working women and families across the state.
Concluding the programme, the organisation issued a strong warning, stating that if their demands were not addressed promptly by the authorities, they would intensify their movement and organise larger-scale agitations in the coming days.
The sit-in passed off peacefully, with members holding placards and raising slogans in support of their demands.