Ananda Marga condemned former Tripura CM Manik Sarkar’s remark branding them as terrorists. At a press conference and protest, leaders recalled Left-backed violence, including the Bijon Setu massacre, and highlighted their global presence in 182 countries. The organisation threatened legal action, calling the remark politically motivated defamation.
A major controversy has erupted in Tripura after former Chief Minister and veteran CPI(M) leader Manik Sarkar reportedly branded the socio-spiritual organisation Ananda Marga as an “international terrorist group” while addressing a Left youth rally in Teliamura. The remark, made on August 31, has drawn sharp condemnation from the Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha, which has accused the Left of attempting to malign their organisation with false narratives.
On Friday, members of the Ananda Marga community held a press conference at the Ananda Marga School in Collegetilla, where leaders categorically rejected Sarkar’s statement. Addressing the media, Diocese Secretary Acharya Kritatmananda Avadhuta alleged that the Communist leadership in both Tripura and West Bengal has a history of violence and politically motivated killings.
“Those who were responsible for mass killings, arson and attacks on our schools are now calling us terrorists. This is nothing but a desperate attempt to malign Ananda Marga,” Kritatmananda said.
Historical Context Recalled
The organisation cited several incidents of violence from the Left’s past to counter Sarkar’s accusation. These included the Mandai massacre of 1980 in Tripura, where hundreds of people were killed in ethnic clashes allegedly backed by Left forces, as well as a series of political killings in Khowai, Teliamura, Bishalgarh, and Dharmanagar targeting opposition leaders.
Most notably, they recalled the infamous Bijon Setu massacre of 1982 in Kolkata, where 17 Ananda Marga monks and nuns were burnt alive in broad daylight. The organisation claimed that the incident remains one of the darkest chapters in India’s political history, with survivors and families still awaiting justice.
The spokesperson also alleged that the Left government in Tripura was responsible for forming and supporting extremist outfits such as the All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) and the Tripura National Volunteers (TNV), which unleashed large-scale violence, kidnappings, and displacement during the insurgency years.
Ananda Marga’s Global Reach
Countering the terrorist label, Ananda Marga leaders highlighted the organisation’s global presence and recognition. “Despite facing decades of persecution, Ananda Marga today has a presence in 182 countries,” Kritatmananda said.
He further noted that the Supreme Court of India has officially recognised Ananda Marga as a religious organisation. Moreover, the philosophy and teachings of Ananda Marga have been included in the curriculum of 13 universities worldwide, underscoring its intellectual and spiritual acceptance.
“They are afraid of our growing influence. If necessary, we will take legal action and even launch mass movements to protest this defamation,” he warned.
Protest in Teliamura
Adding to the condemnation, the Teliamura unit of Ananda Marga Pracharak Sangh staged a public demonstration on Wednesday, where members carried placards and raised slogans against Sarkar’s remark. The protest was held near the Teliamura Ananda Marga High School, drawing participation from followers and community leaders.
Nityananda Debnath, Chairman of the School Board, addressed the gathering and defended the organisation’s record. “Ananda Marga is dedicated to religious preaching and social service across India. CPI(M), being an atheist party, has long carried out malicious campaigns against us,” he said.
Debnath also asserted that communism has lost relevance across the world and is steadily declining in India. “Today’s attempts to brand us as terrorists only show their political desperation,” he added.
Political Impact
The controversy is expected to intensify the political debate in Tripura, where the CPI(M) continues to face sharp criticism for its past record of violence and suppression. Analysts believe Sarkar’s remark could backfire, as Ananda Marga enjoys significant influence in Tripura, Bengal, and several parts of India.
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For now, the organisation has demanded an unconditional apology from Manik Sarkar and has not ruled out legal action. With memories of past atrocities still fresh among its members, Ananda Marga’s strong rebuttal has transformed a political statement into a potentially wider confrontation between the Left and the religious-social group.
