Agartala, October 1 (TIWN): The Tripura Baptist Christian Union slammed the statement frok CPI (M) state general secretary Bijan Dhar about influence of the Church behind secessionist movements in the state and said that move was a premeditated attack on Christianity.

"We, at the Church, work to spread the message of love and forgiveness among the people. The Church is not a party to any political activity in any form whatsoever. Any statement made to this end by the CPI (M) is a lie and intended to attack our religious sentiments", Sadar North Baptist association said. 
He further said that the ruling CPI (M) owed a public apology to the Christiah community of the state. The forum would placed deputation to Governor Padmanabha Balakrishna Acharya soon over he issue, he added.
CPI (M) general secretary Dhar earlier stated in September that the US spy agency CIA was active in fomenting secessionist demands in the state in the name of Twipraland.
He added that the Christian Church was extending support to the process.
Former minister and MP Jitendra Choudhury tried to dilute the tension by tweeting that the party statement didn't target the Church but certain belligerent forces but the anguish largely continued.
"We stand on our demand of a public apology", the Baptist Christian Union said.