Violence During Tiprasa Civil Society Shutdown in Tripura
Agartala: Several government officials, including a police officer, were injured on Thursday evening after a protest led by the Tiprasa Civil Society (TCS) turned violent in parts of Tripura’s Dhalai district. The unrest erupted during a 24-hour statewide shutdown called by the TCS, an affiliate of the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), over an eight-point demand that included the deportation of illegal migrants.
Officials confirmed that shops were looted, vehicles were set on fire, and several public servants were attacked in the Santirbazar area. The violence prompted authorities to impose an indefinite curfew in parts of the district to restore law and order.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha condemned the incident and directed police to take strict action against those involved. “We strongly condemn the violent attack by Tipra Motha supporters on Shri Abhijit Majumdar (BDO, Salema), Engineer Shri Animesh Saha, and residents of Santirbazar,” CM Saha wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Such acts of violence are unacceptable. The administration has been directed to take swift and strict action against those responsible.”
Curfew Imposed After Escalating Clashes
As tensions rose, Dhalai District Magistrate and Collector Vivek H.B. announced a curfew in the Kamalpur Sub-Division late Thursday night under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The curfew order prohibits the assembly of more than four people, use of weapons or dangerous materials, provocative speeches, and sloganeering.
The order also bans the use of rooftops for pelting stones, restricts the entry of vehicles, and bars distribution of inflammatory pamphlets. Authorities deployed additional security forces across the region to prevent further escalation.
According to police, violence erupted when TCS supporters entered the Santirbazar market around noon, forcing shopkeepers to close their establishments in support of the bandh. When traders resisted, an altercation ensued, leading to stone-pelting and vandalism.
A senior police official in Agartala said that the protesters, who outnumbered the police personnel on duty, later looted several shops and set a vehicle ablaze. As firefighters rushed to the scene, their vehicle was also vandalized by the mob.
Several Officials and Civilians Injured
During the violence, Kamalpur Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Samudra Debbarma sustained a head injury after being hit by a brick. Salema Block Development Officer (BDO) Abhijit Majumdar was also attacked when he arrived at the scene to control the situation. His vehicle was targeted, and he received head injuries.
Engineer Animesh Saha was assaulted while attempting to assist the injured BDO. A local trader, Biplab Deb, suffered a serious eye injury after being struck by a stone. All the injured individuals were rescued by fire service personnel and admitted to Kamalpur Bimal Sinha Memorial Hospital for medical treatment.
Residents reported that the atmosphere remained tense through the night, despite the deployment of additional security forces. Authorities said the curfew would remain in effect until peace is fully restored.
Protests Spread Across Tripura
The Tiprasa Civil Society, led by TMP MLA Ranjit Debbarma, called the statewide 24-hour shutdown to press for its eight-point charter of demands. These included protection of tribal rights, implementation of the Tipraland demand, and deportation of illegal migrants from tribal areas.
A senior police officer reported that picketers carrying national flags staged demonstrations at over 52 key locations and highways across Tripura, including railway tracks in West Tripura and Khowai districts. While most protests remained peaceful, isolated incidents of arson and vandalism were reported from Dhalai.
Chief Minister Saha appealed to the people to maintain calm and cooperate with law enforcement. He assured that the state government will take firm action against those responsible for the violence and damage to public property.
Government Response and Next Steps
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation in Dhalai and nearby districts. The Home Department has been directed to assess the damage and coordinate relief efforts for affected traders and residents.
Senior officials from Tripura Police, the District Administration, and the Home Ministry are expected to hold an emergency meeting to review security arrangements and prevent further unrest.
As the curfew continues, normal life remains disrupted in parts of the state. Many markets and schools stayed closed on Friday, and transport services were partially suspended.
Observers say that the incident underscores the growing tensions between the state government and regional tribal organizations over long-standing political and demographic issues.