Tripura's sacked teachers protest turns ugly; internet suspended (Updated)

AGARTALA: (Updated story)

Tripura police on Wednesday resorted to lathi-charge, tear gas shelling and fired water cannons at the protesting sacked teachers near the residence of Chief Minister, Biplab Kumar Deb in Agartala.

Following the arrest of over 300 teachers at Paradise choumuhani this morning, the protestors marched towards the CM's residence but were prevented by security forces from going any further.

The agitating teachers blocked the three-lane road leading to the CM's residence, shouting slogans with the national flags in their hands.

The District Magistrate of West Tripura District had imposed section 144 in Agartala from Wednesday morning to control the situation.

Earlier today, the Sub Division Police Officer (SDPO) of Agartala, Sashawat Kumar termed the protesting teachers' actions as "provocating" and fearing that law and order might go out of control, the police had to take action.

"When the police tried to disperse the crowd from the area, the situation went out of hand, compelling the police to resort to lathi-charge around noon," a police source said.

In the march, the teachers were joined by their family members including some children.

So far, a total of 24 teachers sustained injuries in the police-protestors clash near the CM's residence.

Meanwhile, internet facilities have been shut-down around the CM's residence and the adjoining areas in Agartala.

It may be reminded that the then left front government had recruited 10323 teachers from 2010 to 2014. Later, all the teachers lost their jobs following an order passed by the Supreme Court for faulty recruitment policy.

(Edited by Gabriel G Momin)