Agartala, India — Violence erupted in the Dhalai district on Thursday night, as supporters of the TIPRA Motha party clashed with local officials and civilians following a 24-hour bandh organized by an NGO advocating for tribal rights. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha denounced the attacks, which left at least 20 people injured, including key officials like Dhalai Superintendent of Police Mihir Lal Das and Block Development Officer Abhijit Mujumdar.
The unrest was sparked when several shops in Shantirbazar opened in defiance of the bandh, which aimed to promote demands for an Inner Line Permit (ILP), the expulsion of illegal Bangladeshi migrants, and the full implementation of the Tiprasa Accord. Supporters of the strike attempted to persuade shopkeepers to close their businesses, leading to confrontations between the two sides. Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with participants throwing stones and wielding sticks. A lorry was set on fire, and attempts were made to ignite multiple shops before law enforcement stepped in.
In response to the escalating violence, police employed baton charges and fired warning shots into the air to restore order. Chief Minister Saha, who said he closely monitored the situation, called the events “unacceptable.” He emphasized that those who engaged in violent actions would be held accountable, urging law enforcement to take decisive action against perpetrators.
In the wake of the violence, authorities increased police presence in the affected areas and imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, a legal measure that grants law enforcement additional powers in times of unrest. To mitigate further conflict, mobile internet services in the Kamalpur area were suspended.
A police team led by Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Manchak Ipper was dispatched to evaluate the conditions on the ground. The situation remained tense as supporters of TIPRA Motha continued to clash with law enforcement and members of the ruling political party.
Reports indicate that BDO Mujumdar, engineer Animesh Saha, and SDPO Debbarma sustained serious injuries while trying to de-escalate the situation. Meanwhile, in a separate incident, TIPRA Motha activists allegedly attacked BJP workers at the Mungiakami Shakti Kendra, resulting in injuries to approximately 25 to 30 individuals, including a local party leader.
As authorities work to restore calm, the broader implications of this unrest highlight ongoing tensions regarding tribal rights and community relations in Tripura. The violent incidents have underscored the challenges faced by both local governance and law enforcement in a region marked by heightened sensitivities over ethnic and political issues.