Agartala: Jan 08: Five years ago, during a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), TSF (Tipra Students’ Federation) activists were shot and injured in the Jirania Madhab Bari area. Since that fateful day, the TSF has been observing January 8th as Black Day annually. This year, party workers and supporters gathered in Khumulung to mark the occasion. They displayed black flags and participated in a protest march, demanding a fair and impartial investigation into the incident.
Former TSF Vice President Jagdish Debbarma, along with other party leaders, attended the event. Speaking at the gathering, Debbarma reflected on the events that led to the protest. He mentioned the introduction of the Citizenship Amendment Bill by the central government in 2016, followed by attempts to pass it into law. In response, TSF workers and supporters joined a nationwide protest in 2019, strongly opposing the bill. During the protest in the Madhab Bari area, the police opened fire on the peaceful demonstrators, resulting in several injuries. The wounded were taken to the hospital, but the event has remained etched in the memory of the TSF members.
Debbarma emphasized that the incident of January 8th, 2019, is a painful chapter that the TSF has not forgotten. The observance of Black Day serves as a protest against the government’s actions and the police administration. He expressed disappointment over the lack of a fair investigation into the shooting and highlighted that despite the strong protests, there has been no progress in the investigation process. He further announced that Tipra Motha MLAs would raise the demand for justice and a thorough investigation in the upcoming Assembly session. While the day is observed with respect every year, the leadership has continued to advocate for justice, urging the government to take appropriate action.
