Violence in Hejamara Over Pension Scheme Dispute: Govt Offices Vandalised
Tension flared in Tripura’s Hejamara block on Tuesday after a mass deputation event spiraled into chaos, resulting in the vandalism of key government offices, including those of the Block Development Officer (BDO) and the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO). The incident has sparked widespread concern over rising political unrest linked to social welfare schemes.
According to local sources, supporters of the Tipra Motha Party (TMP)—a junior partner in the BJP-led coalition government—were involved in the storming and ransacking of the government offices. Protesters forcibly entered the premises, damaged furniture and equipment, and sealed the chambers of both the Block Advisory Committee Chairperson and Vice Chairperson.
The protest was reportedly triggered by allegations of political bias in the selection of beneficiaries under the Social Welfare and Social Education Department’s social pension schemes. TMP activists accused officials of deliberately excluding deserving individuals who are perceived to be loyal to their party, claiming that the selection process was being manipulated to favor BJP and IPFT supporters.
Eyewitnesses reported that demonstrators arrived waving Tipra Motha flags, and demanded the immediate release of the full list of newly selected beneficiaries. Protesters insisted that they would not leave the premises unless the list was handed over, and issued a 24-hour ultimatum to officials.
The situation turned volatile when agitators smashed CCTV cameras, broke windows, and destroyed office equipment, leaving the offices in disarray. The CDPO office was also targeted, where computers, glass panes, and other infrastructure were damaged. During the melee, one government staffer sustained injuries.
Sources informed the press that the protesters were also angered by the alleged bypassing of the Village Monitoring Committees (VMCs)—local bodies tasked with overseeing the welfare schemes at the village level. TMP leaders claim this exclusion is part of a broader pattern of political marginalization, despite the party’s status as an ally in the ruling coalition.
Speaking to reporters, BDO Manas Murasing confirmed receiving a mass deputation earlier in the day, which eventually escalated into a confrontation outside his office. Following the violence, a large contingent of police and Tripura State Rifles (TSR) personnel was swiftly deployed to maintain order and prevent further escalation.
The incident comes on the heels of the Tripura government’s recent announcement of expanding social pension coverage to 5,000 new beneficiaries, each entitled to ₹2,000 per month for life. While the move was intended to enhance welfare outreach, the current unrest highlights the deep political undercurrents and disputes over equitable implementation.
As of now, authorities are assessing the damage and reviewing security arrangements in the area. An inquiry into the incident and the allegations raised by the protesters is likely to follow.
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