Agartala: Violence erupted in the Kamalpur subdivision of Dhalai district in Tripura on Thursday evening after a 24-hour strike called by Tiprasa civil society organizations turned violent, prompting authorities to impose prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and suspend mobile internet services.
At least ten people, including Salema Block Development Officer Abhijit Majumder, Rural Development engineer Animesh Saha, and Sub-Divisional Police Officer Samudra Debbarma, were injured in the clashes. Seven civilians were also hurt. Hospital sources said one of the injured may suffer permanent loss of vision due to an eye injury sustained during stone pelting.
The violence broke out around 5:30 p.m. in the Santirbazar market area after strike supporters allegedly attempted to force shopkeepers to shut their establishments. Local traders resisted the move, leading to a confrontation that escalated into clashes between two groups armed with sticks and stones. Eyewitnesses said kerosene-filled bottles were hurled, and a lorry was set on fire. Attempts were also made to torch the shops of traders who opposed the shutdown, they alleged.
Police and Tripura State Rifles personnel were rushed to the spot to control the situation. Police resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the mob. Four of the injured, including the BDO and the engineer, were shifted to GB Pant Hospital in Agartala for specialized treatment. District Magistrate Vivek H. B. imposed Section 163 late in the night, citing rising tension and apprehension of a possible communal flare-up. Mobile internet services were suspended in the subdivision to prevent rumor-mongering and mobilization via social media. Security has been tightened, and flag marches are being conducted in sensitive areas.
Chief Minister Manik Saha condemned the incident and alleged that supporters of Tipra Motha were involved in the attack on officials and civilians. He directed the administration to take stringent action against those responsible and assured that peace would be restored.
BJP Tripura State President and Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee said there was a conspiracy to disrupt peace in the state. He said the strike, called in the name of civil society, had led to unprecedented violence despite the fact that the issues raised were already being discussed in the Assembly and monitored by the Centre as part of the Tripartite Agreement. He termed the attack on government officials unacceptable and said hooliganism would not be tolerated.
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Tiprasa civil society leader and Tipra Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma distanced his organization from the violence and claimed it occurred after picketing was withdrawn at 5 p.m. He said some people attempted to disturb peace in the Santirbazar market, resulting in clashes. He apologized to the injured officials and demanded an impartial probe. He also suspected the incident might have been premeditated and urged police to investigate the matter without bias. He appealed to people not to allow mistrust between communities who have coexisted peacefully to grow.
Police have launched an investigation, and efforts are underway to identify those involved in instigating and participating in the violence, officials said.
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