Tripura LoP Jitendra Chaudhury demands SIT probe into Shimultala communal violence, seeking justice, compensation for victims, release of innocent detainees, and stronger security measures to prevent recurring unrest in the state.
Tripura Leader of the Opposition and senior CPI(M) leader Jitendra Chaudhury has strongly demanded the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident of communal violence that erupted at Shimultala under the Fatikroy Assembly constituency on January 10. Raising serious concerns over law and order, Chaudhury insisted that only an independent and senior-level investigation can ensure justice for the affected families and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Addressing a press conference at the CPI(M) state headquarters on Thursday, the Politburo member said that the SIT should be headed by a senior police officer with a clean track record. According to him, the investigation must be time-bound and impartial, ensuring that the real culprits behind the violence are identified, arrested, and punished according to law.
The violence at Shimultala, which falls under the jurisdiction of Fatikroy police station, reportedly broke out following a clash between two groups over the collection of subscriptions for a local festival. What initially appeared to be a dispute soon escalated into communal violence, leaving at least six people injured. The incident severely affected nearly 15 families, many of whom suffered damage to homes, livelihoods, and personal property.
Chaudhury stated that he had personally met Tripura Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha and urged him to take immediate administrative steps to restore peace and normalcy in the area. “I have requested the Chief Secretary to constitute a Special Investigation Team for a thorough probe. Without a fair investigation, justice will remain elusive,” he said.
Placing a six-point charter of demands before the state administration, the CPI(M) leader emphasized the need for sustained police presence in Shimultala. He called for the establishment of a temporary police picket in the village, noting that more than ten days had passed since the incident, yet tension continued to prevail. He alleged that troublemakers were repeatedly visiting the area to provoke further unrest, creating fear among residents.
Chaudhury also highlighted the plight of young members of affected Muslim families who have reportedly gone into hiding due to fear of further violence or possible police action. He urged the administration to initiate confidence-building measures to ensure their safe return. “Restoring trust is as important as restoring law and order,” he remarked.
Raising concerns over compensation, the Leader of the Opposition criticized the government’s relief measures, stating that only 11 families had received Rs 5,000 each, which he termed grossly inadequate. According to him, at least 15 families were affected, many of whose houses were destroyed and whose agricultural equipment, vehicles, and stored hay were burnt.
He demanded a comprehensive damage assessment followed by adequate compensation. Chaudhury urged the government to provide housing assistance under existing schemes and arrange low-interest loans so that the victims could rebuild their homes and resume livelihood activities without prolonged hardship.
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The CPI(M) leader also demanded the immediate release of five individuals from victim families who were allegedly arrested on charges of rioting. While 13 people were arrested in connection with the incident, Chaudhury claimed that five of them were innocent and had no role in the violence. He accused the authorities of targeting victims instead of perpetrators.
Warning of a disturbing pattern, Chaudhury said that similar incidents of communal tension had occurred in different parts of Tripura over the past few years. “Shimultala is not an isolated case. We sense a deliberate and ominous method behind these repeated incidents,” he said, calling upon the government to take proactive and decisive steps to ensure lasting communal harmony.
