Agartala: The 12-hour strike called by the BJP to demand a CBI inquiry into journalist Sudip Dutta Bhowmik's murder crippled normal life in Tripura. The Congress had also called a 24-hour strike.

Traffic almost came to a standstill and at a few places, BJP protesters stalled trains, press vehicles, milk vans and other emergency services.

At least 11 persons were injured in clashes during the statewide strike.

Superintendent of police (control) Pradip Dey said: "Eleven persons were injured. Many are hospitalised." The figure may rise if more injured persons come in from different sub-divisions, he said. No casualties were reported.

Pratapgarh in West Tripura district was the worst hit. Clashes occurred at Boxanagar in Sipahijala district, Kuthicherra of Belonia sub-division, Nalua and Shantirbazaar in South Tripura district and Pecharthal of Unakoti district, he added.

The police arrested 1,566 picketers from across the state, the superintendent of police said.

BJP state unit president Biplab Deb told reporters that alleged CPM members attacked his party workers at Pratapgarh, Boxanagar, Khowai and other areas. "They attacked our boys with knives and firearms," Deb alleged.