Communal tensions flare up in Santirbazar, Kamalpur subdivision, leaving 10 injured including BDO and SDPO. Authorities impose Section 163 of BNSS and suspend internet services to prevent escalation. Police resort to lathi charge as mobs clash violently.
The situation in Kamalpur’s Santirbazar area turned volatile on Sunday following a sudden communal flare-up that left at least 10 people injured, including senior government officials such as Salema Block BDO Abhijit Majumder and SDPO Samudra Debbarma. Authorities swiftly imposed Section 163 of the BNSS across the Kamalpur subdivision and suspended internet services to curb the spread of rumors and misinformation.
According to reports, the violence broke out after a 24-hour strike called by Tiprasa civil society organizations took a violent turn in the Santirbazar market area. What started as an attempt to enforce a shutdown soon escalated into a full-blown communal confrontation between members of the Tribal and Bengali communities.
Local sources said that by late evening, hundreds of people from both groups had gathered in the market area, many armed with lathis and other crude weapons, leading to violent clashes. Police resorted to lathi charges to disperse the mob as tensions spiraled out of control.
During the confrontation, the mob reportedly began stone pelting at security forces and government officials who had arrived at the scene to restore peace. Engineer Animesh Saha, along with several other civilians, sustained serious injuries. One of the injured is reportedly at risk of losing vision permanently due to the intensity of the attack.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as kerosene-filled beer bottles were hurled, and a lorry was set ablaze. Several shops narrowly escaped being torched after picketers allegedly targeted business owners who defied their call to close their establishments.
At around 5:30 PM, violence erupted when volunteers enforcing the strike threatened local shopkeepers to shut down their businesses. When traders resisted, physical altercations broke out, which quickly spread into the surrounding neighborhoods. Despite immediate intervention by local administration, stone pelting intensified, injuring multiple officials and civilians.
The District Magistrate of Dhalai, Vivek HB, swiftly invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS), granting broad powers to law enforcement agencies to prevent gatherings and restore order. Speaking to the media, DM Vivek HB said, “We are closely monitoring the situation. Things are gradually coming under control, and we will take all necessary measures to ensure peace and safety.”
Heavy police and paramilitary reinforcements were deployed across Kamalpur subdivision, particularly in sensitive pockets where tensions remain high. Internet services were suspended as a preventive measure to restrict the spread of provocative messages or misinformation through social media platforms.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha condemned the incident, describing it as a “brutal and premeditated attack” carried out by miscreants under the guise of civil society protestors. He personally visited GB Hospital in Agartala to meet the injured officials and assess their condition.
In a statement, CM Saha said,
“Last night, in the Surma Assembly Constituency under Dhalai district, miscreants posing as Tipra Motha workers attacked government officers and local traders in Santirbazar. BDO Abhijit Majumder, Engineer Animesh Saha, and businessman Subrata Pal were seriously injured. The government will ensure that the culprits are punished under the strictest provisions of law.”
The Chief Minister further assured that no one is above the law, and compensation and rehabilitation measures will be extended to affected shop owners and families. “The administration has been instructed to assess the damages caused to vandalized shops and take all steps for the victims’ rehabilitation,” CM Saha said.
Meanwhile, sources within the police confirmed that several suspects have already been detained, and a detailed investigation is underway to identify the key instigators behind the violent clashes. Security forces continue to maintain round-the-clock vigilance, and prohibitory orders remain in place to prevent any further escalation.
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As night fell, Santirbazar and adjoining areas continued to be under tight security surveillance. The administration has appealed for peace and communal harmony, urging citizens not to fall prey to rumors or inflammatory social media posts.
While normalcy is yet to be fully restored, authorities expressed cautious optimism that the situation would stabilize in the coming days, once peace talks and administrative measures take effect.
