Agartala: Congress MLA and CWC member Sudip Roy Barman on Tuesday criticized the state administration for its alleged indifference to those affected by the communal violence in Kadamtala, North Tripura, calling them the worst victims of administrative apathy.
In a sharp rebuke of the state government, Roy Barman claimed that the violence, arson, and ransacking on October 6 occurred with the backing of a local MLA and the Chairperson of the local Panchayat Samiti. He accused the administration and police of being complicit in the violence.
“The entire administration and police were in cahoots with the vandals who went on a rampage that night. In my view, this incident was state-sponsored. Elements that have been trying to sow discord between communities that have lived together peacefully for decades have, to some extent, succeeded in their agenda here in Kadamtala. Their earlier attempts in Kaitarabari and Gandacherra were unsuccessful,” he said.
Roy Barman further criticized the state government for its lack of concern for the victims. “I visited the affected areas and spoke to the victims. I was told that 21 people received an immediate financial assistance of Rs 5,000 within days of the incident. However, none of the victims I spoke to confirmed receiving any compensation. Many of them lost their only source of livelihood due to the violence. The losses from arson and stone-pelting have been substantial. The fact that these victims are still waiting for government support is a clear sign of administrative apathy,” he said.
The Congress MLA vowed to bring these issues to the attention of the authorities. “The family members of those who lost their lives due to police firing must be given government jobs. Those whose shops and commercial establishments were set on fire should receive adequate compensation to help them recover from this helpless situation. The administration seems to have ignored the real victims. I will press for action by sending written letters to the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary, urging them to expedite the release of compensation to these affected families,” he assured.
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