Situation remains tense but under control in Tripura’s Kumarghat after communal clashes over fair subscriptions. Heavy security deployment, internet suspension, arrests, and political reactions mark efforts to restore law and order in Unakoti district.
A day after violent clashes erupted between two communities over the collection of subscriptions for a local community fair, the situation in the Kumarghat subdivision of Tripura’s Unakoti district remained tense but under control on Sunday, according to police officials.
Senior police authorities confirmed that prompt administrative and security intervention helped prevent further escalation of violence in the mixed-population areas of Kumarghat. On Saturday, police detained 10 individuals from both communities in connection with the unrest. Of these, seven were formally arrested on Sunday and produced before a local court, with police seeking custodial interrogation to further investigate the incident.
To maintain law and order, a massive security deployment has been put in place across sensitive zones. Personnel from the Assam Rifles, Tripura State Rifles (TSR), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Tripura Police have been stationed in the affected areas. Regular patrolling and flag marches are being conducted under the supervision of senior officers.
Additional Superintendent of Police of Unakoti district, Rupam Chakma, stated that no fresh incidents have been reported since Saturday night. He emphasized that the situation is being closely monitored and warned that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to spread rumors, fake images, or misleading videos on social media platforms.
Another senior official confirmed that extra forces have been deployed in religious locations and mixed-population localities as a preventive measure. Authorities aim to reassure residents and prevent any attempt at rekindling tensions.
Following the clashes, prohibitory orders were imposed across the Kumarghat subdivision on Saturday. At least five to six people sustained injuries during the violence, while several houses, vehicles, and commercial properties were damaged or gutted in incidents of arson and vandalism.
As a precautionary step, internet services were suspended across the Kumarghat subdivision for 48 hours. In a letter addressed to the District Magistrate, the Superintendent of Police of Unakoti district recommended the shutdown, citing the need to curb the spread of misinformation and inflammatory content that could aggravate the law-and-order situation.
According to police sources, the unrest began when a group of youths allegedly stopped a timber-laden vehicle in the Saidarpar area under Fatikroy police station limits and demanded a subscription for a local community fair. Tensions escalated after a minority family in the Shimultala area reportedly refused to contribute, leading to the gathering of an unruly mob.
The mob allegedly set fire to several houses, vehicles, and properties, including a timber shop, and vandalized a place of worship. The situation turned volatile as news of the incident spread rapidly through the locality.
In response, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Kumarghat imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, to prevent further assembly and ensure public safety. Acting Superintendent of Police Avinash Rai, along with District Magistrate Tamal Majumder and other senior officials, rushed to the spot to review the security arrangements and coordinate relief measures.
Authorities said a detailed assessment of the damage is currently underway, and affected families will be provided assistance as per government norms.
Political leaders across party lines condemned the violence and appealed for peace. State BJP President Rajib Bhattacharjee, state Congress President Ashis Kumar Saha, and CPI(M) state Secretary and Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury urged residents to maintain harmony and cooperate with the administration.
Meanwhile, senior Congress leader and former minister Birajit Sinha, accompanied by Unakoti district Congress president Md. Badruzzaman, visited the affected area on Sunday. However, they alleged that police prevented them from interacting with affected minority families, sparking allegations of administrative high-handedness.
| Also Read: Communal Tension in Fatikroy over Festival subscription |
Calling the incident a violation of democratic rights, Sinha stated that preventing elected representatives from speaking to victims raises serious questions about transparency and accountability. Authorities, however, maintained that restrictions were imposed purely for security reasons.
The situation continues to remain under close surveillance as the administration appeals to citizens to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.
