Tripura’s Kamalpur on Edge After Shutdown Violence; CM Promises Strict Action
Over a dozen injured as Tiprasa Civil Society activists resort to attacks, arson, and looting during statewide shutdown
Kamalpur, Tripura, Oct 24: Tension continued in Kamalpur sub-division of Dhalai district on Friday following violent incidents during Thursday’s statewide 24-hour shutdown called by the Tiprasa Civil Society (TCS). Over 12 people, including government officials and local traders, were injured as activists resorted to attacks, arson, and looting, officials said.
To contain the situation, a large deployment of security forces, including the Tripura State Rifles (TSR) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), has been stationed in the area. Dhalai District Magistrate and Collector Vivek H.B. imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), banning public assembly of more than four people, the carrying of weapons, provocative speeches, and the movement of vehicles in certain areas.
Chief Minister Manik Saha, who also holds the Home portfolio, visited the Govind Ballabh Pant Medical College and Hospital in Agartala to check on the injured, three of whom were shifted to Agartala while the remaining continue treatment at Kamalpur Bimal Sinha Memorial Hospital. Among the injured were Salema BDO Abhijit Majumdar, Engineer Animesh Saha, Kamalpur SDPO Samudra Debbarma, and trader Biplab Deb.
Describing the attacks as “disgraceful,” Saha said the perpetrators used bamboo sticks, iron rods, and slingshots, and even snatched gold chains from women. “I have directed the police to take severe action. We will not succumb to any pressure. You will soon see what action is being taken against the perpetrators,” he told reporters.
Political leaders across parties, including CPI(M) Tripura State Secretary Jitendra Chaudhury, former CM and BJP MP Biplab Kumar Deb, Congress leader Sudip Roy Barman, and others strongly condemned the violence.
The TCS, affiliated with the Tipra Motha Party (TMP) led by TMP MLA Ranjit Debbarma, had organized the shutdown to press for eight-point demands, including the deportation of illegal migrants. The shutdown included sit-in demonstrations at over 52 locations and blockades of key highways and railway tracks, forcing the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) to cancel, short-terminate, or control nine trains in Tripura, affecting thousands of passengers.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as efforts are underway to restore normalcy in Kamalpur.
