Three Tipra Motha workers arrested in Khowai spark protest and National Highway blockade over alleged post-poll violence. Party alleges political motive, warns of further agitation after Garia Puja, while police continue legal proceedings amid rising tensions.
Tension escalated in parts of Khowai following the arrest of three workers affiliated with the Tipra Motha Party, triggering protests and a temporary blockade of a key National Highway. The developments came amid allegations of post-poll violence, intensifying the political atmosphere in the region.
Police confirmed that the three individuals were taken into custody on Saturday night in connection with multiple cases registered under various legal provisions. Authorities stated that the accused were produced before a local court on Sunday and subsequently remanded to judicial custody for three days as part of ongoing investigations.
Shortly after the arrests, party leaders and supporters mobilized in protest, demanding the unconditional release of the detained workers. Demonstrators gathered at two separate points along the highway in Khowai, blocking vehicular movement and disrupting daily life for several hours. The blockade, which began around 9:30 am, led to long queues of stranded vehicles and caused significant inconvenience to commuters.
According to officials, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer visited both protest sites and urged demonstrators to lift the blockade in the interest of public convenience. However, protesters refused to disperse, maintaining that the agitation would continue until their demands were met. Party representatives alleged that the arrests were politically motivated and claimed that the detained workers were innocent.
Leaders of the Tipra Motha Party warned that the agitation could be extended for up to five days and might even turn into an indefinite protest if authorities failed to act on their demands. The situation remained tense throughout the day as negotiations between officials and protestors did not yield immediate results.
By the evening, however, the blockade was lifted at around 6:30 pm. Sources indicated that the decision to withdraw the protest was influenced by the upcoming Garia Puja, an important cultural event in the state. Party supporters reportedly decided to avoid further inconvenience to the public during the festive period.
Speaking to reporters, Ranjit Debbarma said the party would reassess the situation after the festival and determine the next course of action. He did not rule out the possibility of resuming protests if their demands remain unaddressed.
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Meanwhile, police reiterated that legal proceedings would continue based on the evidence collected, and assured that law and order would be maintained. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any further escalation.
The incident highlights the fragile political climate in Tripura following recent electoral developments, with both law enforcement and political groups navigating a sensitive post-poll environment.
