Internet suspended in Tripura’s Fatikroy over communal clash

Kumarghat: Tension gripped the Shimultala area of Fatikroy in Unakoti district on Saturday following violent clashes triggered by a dispute over collection of subscriptions for a local religious festival, prompting the administration to impose prohibitory orders and suspend mobile internet services as a precautionary measure.

The situation escalated after an altercation broke out between two groups of different communities over demands for contributions towards the Bharav Mela. According to police and local sources, volunteers of the festival organising committee allegedly stopped a timber-laden vehicle and asked the driver to pay a subscription. The driver refused, terming the demand unjustified, which led to a heated exchange.

The matter intensified when the owner of a nearby timber shop intervened. The dispute soon took on a communal tone and degenerated into a scuffle. Police sources said the initial clash was followed by retaliation from people in adjoining areas, resulting in incidents of violence and arson.

During the unrest, stacks of hay, bamboo fencing and a timber-laden vehicle were set on fire by an agitated mob. There were also reports of attempts to damage a place of worship, though the administration clarified that no serious harm was caused.

In view of the deteriorating situation, the district administration promulgated prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita in the affected areas. Mobile internet services were suspended across the entire Unakoti district for 48 hours to prevent the spread of rumours and mobilisation.

A large contingent of police personnel, along with forces from the Tripura State Rifles, Central Reserve Police Force and Assam Rifles, was deployed to restore order. Police resorted to a mild lathi-charge to disperse the crowd, while drone surveillance was introduced to monitor the situation.

Unakoti District Magistrate Dr Tamal Majumder and Superintendent of Police (in-charge) Avinash Rai visited the spot to take stock of the situation. Police said several people accused of instigating the violence had been taken into custody.

Addressing the media, Rai said the situation was under control and adequate security arrangements were in place. He appealed to people to maintain calm and refrain from spreading rumours, warning that strict action would be taken against those indulging in misinformation.

Dr Majumder said boundaries and fencing of some houses were damaged during the incident and around seven to eight persons had been detained. He dismissed rumours of a major attack on any religious structure, stating that only a minor portion of a window on the outer side of a building was damaged.

Local MLA and Minister Sudhangshu Das rushed to the area after receiving information about the incident. He said prompt action by the administration and police had helped bring the situation under control and urged residents to avoid rumour-mongering.

Meanwhile, opposition Congress and CPI(M) condemned the violence and blamed the ruling BJP for the incident. Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury and Congress Legislature Party leader Birajit Sinha demanded stringent action against those responsible for the clashes and arson.

BJP Tripura Pradesh President Rajib Bhattacharjee blamed the opposition parties for inciting the violence. Meanwhile, on Sunday a delegation of Tripura Pradesh Congress led by CLP leader Birajit Sinha was stopped from entering the violence torn Shimulatala area. 

The police officials prevented the Tripura Pradesh Congress team citing law and order situation. Speaking to media persons after being prevented from entering the area, Congress Legislature Party chief Birajit Sinha said, “The local MLA and incumbent Minister in Tripura state council of Ministers Sudhangshu Das had been infamous for his commonality charged statements. I feel this incident is an outburst of the communal venom which had been spewed over time in his constituency.” 

According to police, around three persons had been injured and several people had been arrested in connection with the incident. According to the last information gathered till filing the report, no fresh incident of flare has been reported since the calm was restored. 

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