Agartala: Tensions flared in Kadamtala, a mixed-population area in Tripura’s North Tripura district, after communal clashes broke out between Hindus and Muslims in phases on Sunday. The local administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to prevent further violence.
One person, identified as Sultan Ahmed, was reportedly killed in police firing late Sunday night as tensions escalated. Two others were injured and taken to the hospital for treatment.
According to sources, the unrest began after a Muslim four-wheeler driver was allegedly assaulted by individuals collecting donations for a Durga Puja organizing committee. The driver reportedly refused to contribute, citing urgency, leading to a police complaint and the subsequent arrest of one person.
In response to the assault, members of the Muslim community gathered outside the local police station to protest. Eyewitnesses claimed that some protesters attacked Hindu-owned businesses and shops.
To defuse the situation, police resorted to baton charges to disperse the crowd. However, later in the day, Hindu protestors took to the streets, engaging in vandalism, which led to further police intervention. The administration ordered another round of baton charges, and prohibitory orders were imposed by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) effective until October 9, 2024.
The official order issued by SDM Sajal Debnath reads: “WHEREAS, S.P. North, vide letter No.14004-06 F. 1()/DIB/ND/DMN/2024, dated, 06/10/2024 has recommended imposing restrictions on movement of people under Kadamtala PS Jurisdiction to resolve communal tension between the Hindu & Muslim communities. AND WHEREAS, I, Sajal Debnath, TCS, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Dharmanagar, North Tripura, am satisfied with the information received from the SP North, that there are sufficient grounds for imposing restrictions. AND NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sajal Debnath, TCS, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Dharmanagar, North Tripura, in exercise of power conferred under Section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, hereby promulgate this order prohibiting movement around the Kadamtala PS Jurisdiction area of Dharmanagar Sub-Division of North Tripura with the following restrictions from 6 PM to 6 AM, effective from 06/10/2024 to 09/10/2024 (Forenoon).” All emergency services are exempt from the restrictions.
Despite the curfew, tensions flared again after sunset, with fresh protests erupting. Mobs reportedly set fire to several shops in Kadamtala market, and people from both communities suffered losses due to the arson, according to sources.
To control the escalating situation, police, Tripura State Rifles (TSR), and Central Armed forces were deployed. Reports suggest that security forces opened fire, resulting in Sultan Ahmed’s death and injuries to two others.
As of now, no senior police official has issued an official statement. However, sources and journalists on the ground indicated that internet services had been restricted in the Dharmanagar subdivision. Social media users have been unable to share or upload content since Monday morning.
In an interview with EastMojo, CPIM MLA from Kadamtala, Islamuddin, said that the situation remains tense and criticized the administration for failing to contain the violence.
“Once the curfew was imposed, we expected calm to be restored and normalcy to return. However, tensions flared again, and the prohibition on gatherings was violated by angry mobs from both communities,” Islamuddin told EastMojo.
He also mentioned that CPIM Legislature Party Chief and Leader of the Opposition, Jitendra Choudhuri, had spoken to Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, urging him to intervene immediately to restore peace in the affected areas.
According to top administrative sources, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has been closely monitoring the situation and has directed the police to take strict action against those involved in the violence. Heavy deployment of forces has been arranged to prevent further escalation.
Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman also appealed to both communities to maintain peace. Police are working to curb the spread of misinformation related to the incident.
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