Tripura Youth Congress seeks THRC’s urgent intervention after Shahjahan Islam’s family faces threats, violence, and alleged eviction attempts in Agartala’s Santipara, demanding protection of human rights and safety for minority residents amid rising political tension.
A delegation of the Tripura Pradesh Youth Congress on Tuesday met with Justice Arindam Lodh, the Chairman of the Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC), seeking immediate intervention and protection for party leader Shahjahan Islam, his family, and other minority community members residing in the Masjid Patti area of Agartala’s Santipara.
The Youth Congress delegation submitted a formal memorandum, expressing deep concern over the recent violent attack on Shahjahan Islam’s residence and the alleged ongoing harassment faced by his family and others in the locality. According to the memorandum, the incident stems from a Facebook Live video made by Shahjahan Islam, during which he reportedly made offensive and provocative remarks directed at Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, Tripura Police, and certain BJP Minority leaders, in connection with a sensitive issue related to cow slaughter.
The video sparked sharp backlash, and the Youth Congress alleged that it provoked a group of BJP-backed miscreants to launch a targeted attack on Islam’s house on the night of June 8. The assailants allegedly vandalized his home, destroyed furniture, and acted in an indecent manner towards the women of the household.
However, instead of taking action against the attackers, the local police from East Agartala Police Station allegedly arrested Islam’s elderly father and his brother, who were reportedly not involved in the incident. The two were later remanded to 14 days of judicial custody, raising serious concerns over the impartiality of the investigation.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, the Youth Congress stated that local BJP supporters have allegedly issued threats to Islam’s family, warning them to vacate their residence or face forced eviction. The miscreants reportedly threatened that their house would be demolished using bulldozers if they failed to comply.
According to Youth Congress leaders, these threats are not limited to Shahjahan’s family alone but extend to several other minority community households in the area. Many of them now live in fear, under constant psychological pressure and insecurity. Shahjahan’s wife, his elderly mother, and his nine-month-old child are said to be especially vulnerable, as they are still residing in the same house under continuous threat.
In the backdrop of these alarming developments, the Youth Congress has appealed to the THRC to ensure immediate and effective protection for Shahjahan’s family and to secure the rights and safety of other residents in the locality. The delegation emphasized that the attempts to evict minority families and the unjustified arrests are not just politically motivated acts but constitute grave violations of basic human rights.
“This situation represents a clear failure of law and order and an attempt to silence dissent using intimidation and fear,” a Youth Congress spokesperson said during a press briefing following their meeting with THRC. “We are not only concerned for Shahjahan’s family but also for all other minority families in Santipara who are being targeted through communal polarization and political pressure.”
Justice Arindam Lodh, Chairman of the THRC, has reportedly taken note of the complaint and assured the delegation that the matter will be looked into seriously. He also expressed concern over the rising number of complaints related to political and communal tensions in the state.
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The Tripura Pradesh Youth Congress has demanded that an independent inquiry be conducted into the events surrounding the June 8 attack and the subsequent arrests. They have also urged the THRC to ensure that Shahjahan’s family and other minority residents of the area are provided adequate security and are allowed to live peacefully without fear of persecution or displacement.
This episode comes against the broader backdrop of rising political tension and communal issues in Tripura, raising critical questions about freedom of expression, state accountability, and the role of law enforcement in protecting vulnerable communities. As the political climate continues to heat up, human rights advocates are closely watching the response of the THRC and state authorities to ensure that justice is delivered.
