Tensions rise in Tripura after Youth Congress leader Shahjahan Islam’s derogatory remarks against CM Manik Saha. His father and brother were arrested, while Congress accuses BJP of attacking Islam’s home. Protests, violence, and political blame games mark the unfolding crisis as security is tightened.
In a politically charged development in Tripura, tensions escalated sharply after derogatory remarks made on social media by Youth Congress leader Shahjahan Islam about Chief Minister Manik Saha and the ruling BJP. The comments, which surfaced around the Eid-al-Adha celebrations on June 7, triggered both legal action and violent retaliation, leading to arrests, political protests, and public outcry from both sides of the political divide.
On June 10, the Tripura Police arrested Shahjahan Islam’s father, Khairul Islam, and brother, Najrul Miah, in connection with the controversial social media post. The complaint was filed by BJP Minority Morcha President and former Minister Billal Mia at the West Agartala Police Station. Billal Mia alleged that Shahjahan Islam’s post not only insulted the Chief Minister and state government but also incited communal unrest. The arrested individuals were produced before a local court and remanded to judicial custody until June 23.
According to BJP leaders, the arrests followed an alleged attack by Khairul Islam and Najrul Miah on BJP workers who had visited their residence to protest Shahjahan Islam’s remarks. BJP supporters claim the family members physically assaulted them during the confrontation.
In a strong rebuttal, Tripura Congress leaders alleged that BJP-backed miscreants attacked Shahjahan Islam’s house at Shantipara on the night of June 9. Tripura Pradesh Congress President Asish Kumar Saha stated that over 100 BJP and Yuva Morcha activists ransacked the residence, beat up the parents, and physically assaulted Shahjahan’s wife. The incident has raised serious concerns over law and order, especially as the locality also houses the Chief Minister’s ancestral residence.
Senior Congress figures, including Working Committee member and former Minister Sudip Roy Barman and former state Congress President Birajit Sinha, visited the site and condemned the attack. Barman criticized the ruling party for allowing political differences to escalate into violence, while Sinha urged all parties to denounce the culture of politically motivated attacks on private residences.
In light of the heightened tensions, a large contingent of security personnel has been deployed in the affected areas to prevent any further escalation. The local administration remains on high alert due to the proximity of the Chief Minister’s ancestral home to the site of unrest.
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In a statement to police, Shahjahan Islam claimed that armed attackers stormed his residence late Sunday night with the intent to kill him. He said he managed to escape immediate harm by locking himself in a room, but alleged that his parents and wife were severely assaulted during the attack.
BJP supporters organized a protest rally on June 10 demanding action against Shahjahan Islam for his “offensive” comments. The incident has divided public opinion, with some calling for stricter action against hate speech, while others highlight the need to protect citizens from politically motivated violence.
As the investigation continues, the situation remains volatile. Both Congress and BJP are standing firm on their positions, turning the episode into a significant flashpoint ahead of the upcoming political season in the state.
