Post-poll violence fears grip Tripura’s Sabroom as Bankul market shuts amid arson attacks, threats to traders, and rising tension after TTAADC results. Police deploy forces, leaders call for peace and restraint to restore normalcy.
Tension continued to simmer across parts of Sabroom subdivision as authorities intensified security measures following reports of post-election unrest linked to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) results. Markets in sensitive pockets, particularly Bankul, witnessed partial shutdowns amid fear and uncertainty among traders and residents.
According to police and local sources, incidents of violence were reported on Friday evening in the Manubankul area, where unidentified miscreants allegedly set fire to several offices associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Arson attacks were reported from multiple locations including Chatakchhari, Chalita Bankul, North Manubankul, and nearby areas. By the time security personnel reached the spots, the perpetrators had already fled, leaving behind damaged properties and heightened anxiety among locals.
The situation escalated further on Saturday morning when a group of alleged supporters of Tipra Motha reportedly entered Manubankul’s New and Old Markets on motorcycles. Witnesses claimed that traders were threatened and asked to shut down their shops. In response, many business owners chose to close their establishments as a precautionary measure, fearing escalation of violence.
Panic spread rapidly after unverified reports circulated on social media, amplifying concerns and prompting more shopkeepers to suspend business activities. The sudden shutdown of the market disrupted daily life and affected local commerce, with residents choosing to remain indoors.
Sub-divisional Police Officer Nityananda Saha visited the affected areas and appealed to traders to resume operations, assuring them of adequate security arrangements. A substantial deployment of police personnel was made across sensitive locations to prevent further incidents and restore normalcy. Authorities also intensified patrolling and maintained close surveillance in vulnerable pockets.
Meanwhile, BJP MLA Mailafru Mog strongly condemned the violence, emphasizing that while electoral outcomes are an integral part of democracy, acts of post-poll aggression cannot be justified. He highlighted the region’s history of peaceful coexistence and urged all communities to maintain harmony.
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Echoing similar sentiments, BJP leaders, including defeated candidate Abhijit Tripura, appealed to party supporters and the general public to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could disrupt peace. They called for unity and responsible conduct in the aftermath of the elections.
Security agencies remain on high alert as efforts continue to stabilize the situation. Officials have urged citizens not to believe or spread rumors and to cooperate with law enforcement authorities. While no fresh incidents were reported by Saturday afternoon, the atmosphere in parts of Sabroom subdivision continues to remain tense, with authorities closely monitoring developments.
