Tripura CM Manik Saha vowed strict action after violent attacks in Dhalai’s Kamalpur, warning that perpetrators “will be nowhere in coming days.” The state imposed prohibitory orders amid political outrage and hospitalisation of several injured officials and traders.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday issued a stern warning that those responsible for Thursday’s violent incidents in the Kamalpur subdivision of Dhalai district “will be nowhere in the coming days,” signaling a zero-tolerance stance toward unrest and mob violence that left more than a dozen injured.
The violence, allegedly carried out by members of the Tiprasa Civil Society (TCS) — an organization affiliated with the Tipra Motha Party (TMP) — erupted during a 24-hour statewide shutdown called to press for an eight-point charter of demands, including deportation of illegal migrants and the introduction of an Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Tripura.
CM Saha’s Firm Warning: “No One Will Be Spared”
Speaking to the media after visiting the Govind Ballabh Pant Medical College and Hospital in Agartala, where three of the injured — Salema Block Development Officer Abhijit Majumdar, Engineer Animesh Saha, and trader Subrata Paul — were admitted, the Chief Minister said he had instructed police to take “strict and exemplary action.”
“The entire night I was monitoring the situation. I have given proper directions to the police. This kind of violence is unacceptable. The attackers used sticks, iron rods, and slingshots, and even snatched chains from women. I have identified those responsible through social media. They will be nowhere in the coming days,” Saha asserted.
He added that the District Magistrate of Dhalai has been directed to assess damages caused to vandalized shops and ensure rehabilitation support for victims.
“The government stands firmly with the victims. We will not tolerate violence in the name of agitation,” Saha posted on Facebook.
Injuries and Hospitalizations
According to officials, 12 people were injured in Thursday’s violent attacks. While three were shifted to Agartala for advanced treatment, nine others, including Kamalpur Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Samudra Debbarma, are being treated at the Bimal Sinha Memorial Hospital in Kamalpur.
Witnesses reported that angry picketers stormed the Santirbazar market, assaulting traders, government officials, and bystanders. Shops were looted, vehicles vandalized, and women’s jewelry snatched amid the chaos.
The attackers, reportedly armed with bamboo sticks, iron rods, and catapults, clashed with police officers attempting to restore order.
Security Tightened, Prohibitory Orders Imposed
In response to the escalating tension, Dhalai District Magistrate Vivek H.B. imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) within the Kamalpur subdivision.
The order prohibits:
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Gathering of more than four persons,
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Carrying or using weapons,
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Delivering provocative speeches or slogans,
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Distributing inflammatory pamphlets, and
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Using rooftops for stone-pelting.
Security forces, including the Tripura State Rifles (TSR) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), have been deployed across sensitive zones, and top police officials are monitoring the situation round-the-clock to prevent further escalation.
Widespread Political Condemnation
The violence drew condemnation across party lines.
Former Chief Minister and senior CPI(M) leader Manik Sarkar criticized the attacks, questioning the motive behind targeting traders and officials.
“Deportation of illegal immigrants is a central subject under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Why were local businessmen attacked and shops vandalized in the name of anti-immigrant protests?” Sarkar asked.
BJP state president Rajib Bhattacharjee, senior minister Ratan Lal Nath, Congress leader Sudip Roy Barman, former Chief Minister and BJP MP Biplab Kumar Deb, and Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury all condemned the incidents and demanded peace.
Political observers say this rare unanimity underscores the growing unease over rising tribal unrest in Tripura’s hilly northeastern regions.
The Tiprasa Civil Society (TCS), a TMP-affiliated tribal organization led by Ranjit Debbarma, called for the 24-hour statewide shutdown to press for an eight-point charter of demands. Among these are:
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Deportation of illegal immigrants,
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Implementation of the tripartite agreement signed between the Centre, the Tripura government, and the TMP on March 2, 2024,
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Introduction of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, and
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Greater administrative and constitutional autonomy for tribal areas.
Police said that picketers carrying national flags staged sit-ins at 52 locations, blocking key highways and railway tracks across the state.
The protests severely disrupted movement, forcing the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) to cancel or control nine trains, including four express services. Thousands of passengers were left stranded as rail traffic was paralyzed between Agartala, Silchar, and Sealdah routes.
Tripartite Agreement and TMP’s Political Position
The Tipra Motha Party (TMP), led by Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, has been a significant political force among Tripura’s indigenous communities.
Following the signing of the tripartite agreement, the TMP — once the main opposition — joined the BJP-led coalition government on March 7, 2024. Two TMP MLAs, Animesh Debbarma and Brishaketu Debbarma, were later inducted into CM Saha’s Cabinet, marking a notable shift in state politics.
TMP has governed the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) since 2021, overseeing nearly two-thirds of Tripura’s 10,491 sq km area. The region is home to over 12.16 lakh people, around 84% of whom are tribals.
Despite being part of the government, TMP leaders have repeatedly accused the state of failing to deliver on promises made under the tripartite accord. The party has also organized rallies in Delhi, most recently on September 9, to highlight their demands.
Public Fear and CM’s Assurance
As prohibitory orders remain in force, local residents in Kamalpur, Salema, and Santirbazar areas expressed fear over possible retaliation and further unrest.
In his statement, CM Saha appealed for calm and urged citizens not to fall prey to “rumors or divisive propaganda.”
“We will restore peace with a strong hand. The perpetrators of this violence will face the full force of law. Tripura belongs to everyone — peace and coexistence are our strength,” he said.
Analysis: A Test of Governance and Coalition Unity
The Kamalpur violence has reignited debates about ethnic polarization and tribal autonomy in Tripura. Analysts note that while the BJP-TMP alliance was seen as a stabilizing factor last year, the recent unrest suggests internal rifts over implementation of key policy promises.
The incident also comes at a politically sensitive time, with local body elections approaching and national parties watching closely how the Manik Saha government handles the crisis.
For now, the administration’s immediate challenge lies in maintaining law and order while addressing the grievances of indigenous groups that form a crucial part of Tripura’s political fabric.
| Also Read: Communal clash rocks Santirbazar, 10 injured including Top Officials |
The violence in Kamalpur marks one of the most serious law-and-order challenges to the Manik Saha administration since it came to power. By vowing that the “perpetrators will be nowhere in coming days,” the Chief Minister has sent a clear signal of firm governance and zero tolerance for violence.
However, whether the ongoing investigation and police action can prevent future flare-ups and rebuild trust among communities will determine the real success of his leadership in the days to come.
