Tension gripped South Tripura on Tuesday when police allegedly lathi-charged students of Ramraibari Higher Secondary School who were protesting the transfer of two popular teachers. The incident injured twelve students and sparked widespread outrage among guardians and locals, who are demanding immediate action against the police officers involved.
Students Protest Teacher Transfers
Tripura’s education system faces a severe shortage of qualified teachers. Yet, the Education Department continues to transfer experienced educators without proper planning, leaving students frustrated.
At Ramraibari HS School under Jolaibari Police Station, students began protesting after the transfer of Pramod Ranjan Bhowmik and Jayanta Majumder, both respected for their dedication and teaching quality. On Monday, they blocked the Jolaibari–Hrishyamukh Road to demand that the government cancel the transfers.
The blockade ended temporarily after the School Management Committee assured students that their concerns would be discussed. However, when the students returned on Tuesday, they found that their teachers had already left and new ones had taken charge. Feeling deceived, they again blocked the same road in protest.
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Police Confrontation and Lathi-Charge
Soon after, police officers from Jolaibari outpost and Baikhora Police Station arrived to disperse the students. Witnesses said the officers verbally abused the students and accused them of being political activists of the CPI(M) — a claim the students denied.
The protest turned violent when ASI Maran Baidya from Baikhora Police Station launched a lathi-charge on the demonstrators, allegedly under orders from OC Vishnu Das. Several students fell on the road, while others ran to nearby houses to escape the assault.
Twelve students suffered injuries, including bruises and fractures. Locals immediately rushed them to the Ramraibari Primary Health Centre for treatment. Their condition remains stable, but some are still under medical observation.
Public Anger and Demands for Accountability
The incident triggered outrage in the area. Guardians, teachers, and local residents condemned the police action and described it as “brutal and unjustified.” Many parents gathered outside the health centre, demanding justice and an apology from the police.
A guardian said, “Our children protested peacefully for their teachers. Instead of listening, the police beat them as if they were criminals.” Another resident added that the administration must hold the officers accountable for using force on minors.
The guardians’ association has called for strict action against OC Vishnu Das and ASI Maran Baidya. They also urged the Director General of Police (DGP) and higher education authorities to investigate the entire episode.
Negligence by Education Department
The Education Department’s alleged negligence has also come under fire. Parents and local leaders argued that the department’s random transfer policy is destabilizing schools and hurting student performance.
“If the department had handled the transfer properly, this clash wouldn’t have happened,” said a former teacher from the area. He added that unplanned transfers have become routine, with little concern for student welfare or academic continuity.
Calls for Reform
Education activists across the district have demanded reforms in the transfer policy. They urged the government to create a transparent, student-focused system that prevents the loss of qualified teachers from rural schools. Some also proposed forming district-level monitoring committees to review teacher transfers and address community concerns.
Meanwhile, the families of the injured students have asked for compensation and disciplinary action against the officers. Several local organizations are planning a joint protest if authorities fail to act quickly.
Although the situation in Ramraibari remains tense, police have deployed additional forces around the school to prevent further unrest. Local officials are monitoring the situation closely, but the Education Department has not yet issued any public statement on the matter.
The incident highlights the growing frustration among students and guardians in Tripura’s rural schools. As demands for justice and reform rise, the government faces mounting pressure to restore trust in both the education system and the police administration.
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