Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha condemned the violent attacks during Thursday’s 24-hour bandh called by the Tripura Civil Society, led by TIPRA Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma. He directed the administration to act firmly against those involved.
Violence broke out in Shantirbazar under Kamalpur subdivision of Dhalai district when protesters attacked officials, looted shops, and set them on fire.
“We strongly condemn the violent attack by Tipra Motha supporters on Abhijit Majumdar (Salema BDO), engineer Animesh Saha, and residents of Shantirbazar. Such acts are unacceptable. The administration must take immediate action,” CM Dr. Manik Saha said in a Facebook post.
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Protest Turns Violen
The bandh aimed to push for implementation of the Tiprasa Accord and stronger measures to identify illegal migrants. Police reported picketing at 45 locations across Tripura, including highways and railway lines.
The situation escalated when protesters forced traders to shut their shops. Locals resisted, and clashes followed. Some agitators looted the market and burned several shops.
Many people, including officers, sustained injuries. SDPO Samudra Debbarma suffered a head wound from a flying brick. BDO Abhijit Majumdar was injured when a mob attacked his vehicle. A trader, Biplab Deb, sustained a serious eye injury. Doctors are monitoring their condition at a local hospital.
The mob also torched a vehicle and smashed a fire tender, intensifying the tension.
Authorities Clamp Down
To restore order, Dhalai District Magistrate Vivek HB imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) on Thursday evening. The restrictions will remain in place until further notice.
The order bans gatherings of more than four people, carrying weapons, and distributing provocative materials. The DM said the step was necessary after receiving reports of scattered clashes linked to the bandh.
Clashes Before the Strike
A day before the bandh, violence flared near Khumulwng, headquarters of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC). Six vehicles were damaged, and several BJP workers suffered injuries while heading to a political event in Takarjala, Sepahijala district.
Unfulfilled Tiprasa Accord Promises
The bandh highlighted growing anger over the Tiprasa Accord, signed in 2024 between the Central Government, Tripura Government, and TIPRA Motha. The accord promised a joint working group to address tribal issues such as land rights, identity, culture, and economic progress.
However, supporters say progress has stalled, triggering frustration among the tribal population.
The recent violence adds pressure on the state government to maintain peace and fulfill the commitments made under the accord..
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