Bus drivers in Tripura’s Bishramganj halt services after being attacked by alleged TIPRA Motha supporters. Protests grow over safety concerns and demand for a fair investigation. Rising tension prompts Section 163 prohibitory orders. Political leaders call for peace amid unrest over a woman’s alleged assault on a public bus.
In the aftermath of a violent incident at Bishramganj in Sepahijala district, bus services between Agartala and Sonamura have come to a standstill as drivers launch a strike demanding justice and security. The unrest was sparked by an attack on a passenger bus allegedly carried out by miscreants affiliated with TIPRA Motha, leaving several people injured and causing panic in the region.
The incident unfolded when a group of men intercepted a running bus at Bishramganj Bazaar and physically assaulted both the driver and the co-driver. The attackers reportedly pelted stones and bricks at the vehicle, leading to injuries among some passengers and leaving others stranded for hours. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos and fear as the attackers stormed the bus.
The reason behind the attack appears to be connected to an allegation involving the modesty of a young woman passenger. However, one of the protesting drivers clarified that neither the driver nor the bus conductor was informed about any such issue during the journey.
“The girl told her parents, but she didn’t approach the driver, conductor, or any of the passengers for help. We were completely unaware of any such incident,” the driver said.
The violent mob, believed to be members or supporters of the TIPRA Motha party, allegedly acted without verifying the facts, resulting in the attack on the innocent bus staff. The bus drivers have condemned the incident and stated that they fear for their lives if immediate action is not taken.
“We all fear for our lives. Unless the authorities resolve this matter and ensure our safety, we will not operate our buses,” said one of the striking drivers, calling for a transparent and fair investigation.
Adding to the tension, another family from Agartala narrowly escaped an attack while returning from Bagma on the same evening. Unidentified miscreants vandalized their vehicle in the Dewan Bazar area of Bishramganj. The family, including a woman and children, fled to the local police station seeking protection. A woman who was part of the family said the assailants were unknown to them and were armed with machetes, causing widespread panic.
In light of these incidents, the authorities have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 to prevent further violence and maintain public order in Bishramganj and surrounding areas. Police have increased their presence in sensitive locations, and an investigation has been launched to identify those responsible for the attacks.
Reacting to the rising tension, TIPRA Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma addressed the issue on social media. He expressed concern over the growing unrest and condemned the violence unequivocally.
In his post, Pradyot wrote, “This is alarming. This is not a tribal vs non-tribal issue. This is about a woman’s modesty being allegedly outraged, and that should concern us all. Violence never solves problems—it only divides people.”
He further stated that he had spoken directly with the victim and her mother and offered full support. He also confirmed communication with the Director General of Police, who assured him that a fair investigation would be conducted and that law and order would be maintained.
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The situation remains tense, with bus services suspended indefinitely by the Sonamura Drivers’ Association until justice is served and their safety can be guaranteed. Local commuters are facing significant inconvenience due to the sudden halt in transportation, while the administration continues efforts to de-escalate the conflict.
As of now, the region awaits a resolution that ensures both justice for the alleged victim and security for transport workers who fear becoming targets of mob violence.
