Violent clash in Lambu, Tripura leaves police injured as alleged TIPRA Motha attack disrupts BJP campaign ahead of TTAADC elections, raising serious concerns over law and order, political tension, and security preparedness in poll-bound tribal areas.
Tension escalated sharply in the Lambu area near Manikbhandar under Kamalpur Police Station in Dhalai district after a violent clash allegedly involving workers of TIPRA Motha left several people, including police personnel, injured. The incident has raised serious concerns about security arrangements ahead of the crucial Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council elections.
According to reports from the ground, the attack took place when a BJP campaign rally led by Manoj Kanti Deb was underway. The rally was being conducted in support of the party’s candidate contesting from the Halahali-Asharambari constituency for the upcoming ADC elections. During the campaign, alleged supporters of TIPRA Motha launched a sudden and aggressive attack, triggering chaos in the area.
Another political figure, Ananta Debbarma, who recently switched allegiance from TIPRA Motha to the Bharatiya Janata Party, was also reportedly targeted during the violence. While both leaders managed to escape without injuries, the situation quickly spiraled out of control.
When personnel from the local police and Tripura State Rifles (TSR) intervened to bring the situation under control, they too came under attack. At least 12 police and TSR personnel sustained injuries in the clash. Several vehicles—estimated between five to six—were vandalized during the violence, adding to the scale of destruction.
Eyewitness accounts and video footage circulating from the scene depicted a highly volatile situation. Armed police personnel were seen retreating under pressure, unable to effectively contain the attackers. The intensity of the assault reportedly forced security forces to temporarily withdraw, raising questions about preparedness and response strategy.
A senior BJP leader, speaking to the media, alleged that more than 200 TIPRA Motha supporters armed with lethal weapons were involved in the attack. He condemned the incident in strong terms and demanded immediate action against those responsible, calling it a direct threat to democratic processes.
Following the clash, additional security forces have been deployed in the region, and patrolling has been intensified to prevent further escalation. However, as of the time of filing this report, no official statement has been issued by the police authorities regarding the incident or any arrests made.
| Also Read: Police Handling of Lambu Violence Sparks Political Backlash |
The violence comes at a critical time, with the ADC elections scheduled for April 12 and vote counting set for April 17. Political observers warn that the breakdown of the BJP-TIPRA Motha alliance, coupled with recent defections, has heightened tensions on the ground. There are growing concerns that such incidents may increase in frequency as the elections approach.
A senior police officer, while expressing concern over the situation, emphasized that the primary focus remains on ensuring peaceful and fair elections. However, he refrained from commenting on the apparent lapse in handling the situation at Lambu.
| Also Read: ADC Poll Campaign Intensifies: CM Saha Targets TIPRA Motha |
The incident has added a new dimension to the already charged political atmosphere in Tripura, underlining the urgent need for strengthened security measures and strict enforcement of law and order to safeguard the electoral process.
