Violence during anti-Waqf Act protests in Tripura leaves seven policemen injured. Protesters vandalize property, attack fire services, and demand Act repeal.
Violent clashes broke out across parts of Tripura on Saturday during anti-Waqf protest rallies . What began as a demonstration quickly spiraled into chaos, with large groups of agitators engaging in vandalism and physical altercations with the police and Tripura State Rifles (TSR) personnel. The situation turned especially volatile in Kailasahar and Sonamura, leading to multiple injuries and significant property damage.
In Sonamura, a particularly disturbing incident occurred when a Fire Service vehicle responding to an emergency call was attacked by a group of protestors. According to eyewitnesses, the fire tender was moving through a protest-hit area with its sirens blaring, indicating an active emergency. Despite this, the agitators blocked the vehicle’s path, pelted it with stones, and assaulted the driver, Pankaj Debnath. Fearing for their safety, the Fire Service personnel had no option but to retreat to the station without attending the emergency. Authorities condemned the act, stating that obstructing emergency services was both unlawful and inhumane.
Meanwhile, in Kailasahar, the anti-Waqf protests led by Congress leader Badarujjaman escalated dramatically. Tensions heightened as demonstrators broke through police barricades that had been erected to maintain law and order. Senior officials, including Unakoti district’s Superintendent of Police, R Sudambika, attempted to de-escalate the situation. However, an intense verbal altercation broke out between Sudambika and Badarujjaman as the crowd surged forward.
A police official stated that despite repeated requests to the protest organizers not to march into sensitive and mixed-population areas, the demonstrators insisted on proceeding. To prevent escalation, security barricades had been set up between the Irani and Kailasahar police stations. However, when the protesters forced their way past the barriers, law enforcement had no choice but to resort to a baton charge and fire teargas shells in an attempt to control the crowd.
“The situation quickly deteriorated once the protesters breached the barricade. Many turned aggressive, pelting stones and bricks at the police and TSR personnel,” said a police source. “Some even engaged in physical fights with the security forces. We had no option but to use force to disperse them.”
At least seven police personnel were injured in the clashes, including Sub-Divisional Police Officer Jayanta Karmakar. Several others sustained minor injuries during the skirmishes.
Authorities estimate that the crowd included nearly four thousand protestors, consisting of both men and women. As the rally progressed, sections of the mob vandalized several shops, homes, and public properties in Kailasahar town. The demonstrators were seen shouting slogans against both the central and state BJP governments, expressing their anger over what they called an “infringement on community rights” by the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
The protesters demanded the immediate repeal of the Act, which they claim undermines the autonomy of the Muslim community in managing Waqf properties. They alleged that the new amendments open the door to increased government interference, particularly from central agencies, thereby stripping the community of its traditional rights and responsibilities over Waqf land and assets.
In response to the violence, police arrested eight individuals on charges of attacking security personnel and disturbing public order. A suo motu case has also been registered against the accused. The situation remains tense but under control, with additional security forces deployed in sensitive areas to prevent further incidents.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (Northern Range) Rati Ranjan Debnath, along with other senior officials, personally oversaw the security operations. They are monitoring the developments closely and have assured that strict action will be taken against those responsible for inciting violence and damaging public property.
Authorities have appealed to the public to maintain peace and warned against spreading misinformation that could further inflame tensions.
