Violence erupted in Mungiakami, Teliamura, as Tipra Motha bandh picketers allegedly attacked BJP’s Shakti Kendra office ahead of Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha’s rally, injuring several party workers and prompting heightened police deployment for security control.
Tension gripped the Mungiakami market area under Teliamura subdivision on Thursday after a violent clash broke out between bandh supporters and BJP workers. The incident occurred when a group of picketers, allegedly belonging to the Tipra Motha party, attacked the BJP’s Shakti Kendra office during the Tiprasa Civil Society-sponsored bandh.
According to police and eyewitnesses, the sudden attack took place at the Ramkrishnapur Shakti Kendra office under the Krishnapur Mandal, where BJP workers were holding a preparatory meeting ahead of Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha’s scheduled rally on Friday. What began as a day of political mobilisation quickly turned into a scene of chaos and confrontation.
Attack During Preparatory Meeting
Reports suggest that around 25 BJP activists sustained injuries when the bandh picketers barged into the party office, hurling stones and vandalising property. The attackers allegedly used sticks and sharp objects, leaving several workers wounded. The injured party members were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment.
Party sources claimed that the attack was a deliberate attempt to disrupt the preparations for the Chief Minister’s upcoming visit to the Krishnapur area, a key political stronghold in the region.
Police Respond Swiftly
Teliamura police acted swiftly to bring the situation under control. Upon receiving reports of the assault, additional forces were deployed to Mungiakami market to prevent further violence. A formal complaint has been lodged at Teliamura Police Station, and an investigation has been launched to identify those responsible for the assault.
“We have reinforced security across sensitive areas in view of the bandh. An investigation is underway to find out who instigated the attack and what led to the confrontation,” said a senior police officer on condition of anonymity.
Political Tensions Escalate Ahead of CM Visit
The incident comes just a day before Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha’s scheduled rally in Krishnapur, which was expected to draw a large gathering. BJP leaders have condemned the attack, terming it as an “act of political intimidation” aimed at derailing the Chief Minister’s outreach efforts in the tribal-dominated region.
Party functionaries stated that despite the violent incident, the preparations for the rally will continue as planned. “No act of violence can deter the BJP’s commitment to peace, development, and democracy in Tripura,” said a local BJP leader while addressing the media after the attack.
Bandh Turns Violent in Teliamura
The Tiprasa Civil Society-sponsored bandh, which was called to press for indigenous rights and autonomy-related demands, witnessed sporadic violence in several parts of Teliamura subdivision. The bandh supporters reportedly blocked roads and staged protests at different market areas, disrupting normal life.
Shops remained closed in parts of Mungiakami and Krishnapur, while vehicular movement was restricted due to road blockades by picketers. However, local administration maintained that the situation was “largely under control” following timely police intervention.
Community Leaders Call for Restraint
In the aftermath of the attack, local community leaders and civil society representatives urged both parties to maintain peace and avoid escalation. “Political differences should never lead to violence. The government and all stakeholders must engage in dialogue to ensure the safety of common people,” said a local elder from the area.
Administration on Alert
The administration has increased patrolling in and around the Teliamura region to prevent further clashes. Police are scanning CCTV footage from nearby shops and public places to trace the perpetrators involved in the incident.
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Sources indicated that the district authorities may hold a joint peace meeting between local BJP and Tipra Motha leaders to de-escalate tensions before the Chief Minister’s visit.
As of now, the situation in Mungiakami and surrounding areas remains tense but stable, with heavy police presence ensuring that no further untoward incident occurs.
