The BJP-led government in Tripura has provided government jobs to 18 individuals whose family members were victims of political killings, with more cases under review. The initiative, led by Minister Ratan Lal Nath, emphasizes fairness and humanitarian relief, regardless of political affiliation, to support families affected by past political violence.
The BJP-led government in Tripura has so far provided government jobs to 18 individuals whose family members were victims of political killings. The initiative, which aims to provide relief to families affected by political violence, was revealed by the state’s Parliamentary Affairs and Agriculture Minister, Ratan Lal Nath, during a press briefing on Saturday.
The minister stated that the initiative is part of a larger government effort to address the legacy of political violence that plagued Tripura before the BJP came to power in 2018. According to Nath, a total of 39 applications have been submitted to a committee formed for this purpose. Out of these, 18 individuals have already received appointments in various government departments, while the applications of five more families are currently under review.
“A committee was earlier constituted to provide government jobs to persons whose family members were victims of political murders. So far, the committee has received 39 applications, and out of these, 18 people have already been given jobs,” Nath told reporters.
He emphasized that the process of providing employment was carried out without any political discrimination. “Irrespective of political affiliation, those found eligible based on District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police reports were provided with jobs,” Nath said, stressing the government’s commitment to fairness and transparency.
Minister Nath, who holds a pivotal role in the state government after Chief Minister Manik Saha, also highlighted the historical context of political violence in Tripura. He stated that prior to the BJP assuming power in March 2018, political killings were rampant in the state. Displaying official papers, Nath pointed out that many families were unable to even lodge First Information Reports (FIRs) due to fear, political pressure, or administrative hurdles. In many cases, he said, records of political murder cases were missing.
He noted that most of the victims of political violence came from Congress backgrounds, though several BJP leaders and supporters also lost their lives before the party formed the government in the state. Tripura was governed by the Congress from 1988 to 1993, and for a combined 35 years by the CPI(M)-led Left Front — from 1978 to 1988, and again from 1993 to February 2018.
“The aim is to support the families of those who lost their loved ones due to political violence, regardless of their political leaning,” said Nath. “We do not believe in political vendetta. Instead, our government is committed to justice and humanitarian responsibility.”
The minister confirmed that the committee formed to oversee this process met for the second time on June 19, to assess pending applications. He assured the public that each application is thoroughly vetted before approval, based on district-level investigations and verifications.
This move by the BJP-led administration is seen as an attempt to both heal political wounds and distance itself from the legacy of violence that marred the state for decades. Political analysts suggest it could also bolster the party’s image as a responsible and inclusive governing force in the politically sensitive northeastern state.
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Families of political violence victims who received appointments have expressed gratitude to the government, with some calling it a long-overdue act of justice. Civil society groups and human rights advocates have also lauded the decision, urging the government to expedite the review of pending applications and extend similar relief in other conflict-prone regions.
With five applications still under consideration, Minister Nath reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing each case on humanitarian grounds. As the political landscape in Tripura continues to evolve, this initiative marks a significant step toward restoring trust and providing redressal to families affected by decades of strife.
