Khumulwng remains volatile , tension spills over, CM cancels prog

Agartala, Jun 09, 2023, By Our Correspondent

Tension escalated and violence broke out in Khumulwng and its neighboring areas as clashes erupted between the TIPRA Motha party and the ruling BJP. The violence unfolded just hours before the scheduled visit and public address of Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, forcing the cancellation of the program in Khumulwng due to the explosive situation.

Despite extensive security arrangements, reports indicate that the situation remained volatile, with hundreds of TIPRA Motha activists gathering in Takarjala areas. Additional security forces were deployed to the region to maintain order.

According to sources, the unrest began in the morning when TIPRA Motha activists began vandalizing BJP party flags, festoons, and cutouts while urging people not to attend the Chief Minister's program. This sparked tension, leading to a retaliatory response from BJP workers who stormed a TIPRA Motha office in Dukhmaipara. Additionally, a TIPRA Motha office in Jirania Khola was reportedly set on fire. The situation quickly escalated and spilled over into other areas such as Takarjala.

As a result of the volatile conditions, numerous offices and shops closed their shutters, and non-tribal employees in the affected areas returned home without work for the day.

In response to the escalating violence, approximately 500 Tripura State Rifles (TSR) and police personnel were swiftly deployed to Khumulwng to provide blanket security. The Deputy Inspector General of the Range and the Superintendent of Police (SP) for West district, Kiran Kumar, rushed to the spot and are currently stationed in the area.

The clashes between TIPRA Motha and BJP have heightened tensions in Khumulwng and its vicinity, raising concerns about the overall security situation. Efforts are underway to restore calm and prevent further escalation of violence. The authorities will continue to closely monitor the situation and take necessary measures to maintain law and order in the area.