The Central Reserve Police Force and Tripura State Rifles have been deployed following violent incidents in Jirania subdivision of West Tripura, triggered by an alleged defacement of an idol of goddess Kali. State Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, also the local MLA, took active measures to mitigate the unrest.
As a result of the violence, twelve homes were set ablaze, three shops were looted, and a place of worship suffered damage. Approximately 15 families displaced by the chaos have been provided shelter in a government school.
West Tripura district magistrate Vishal Kumar confirmed that police are diligently working to identify those responsible for the disturbances, stating that the situation is now stabilized due to the robust presence of security forces. Kumar, alongside the district Superintendent of Police, participated in a peace meeting on Monday afternoon with community leaders, assuring them of a thorough investigation and financial support for the affected individuals.
Various community organizations have called for peace and urged a comprehensive investigation to bring the offenders to justice while demanding compensation for the victims. TIPRA Motha, the sole party within the coalition government to address the unrest in Jirania, has been vocal about the need for accountability.
TIPRA’s founder emphasized the need for unity in the face of ongoing natural disasters affecting the region, stating that some individuals seem intent on inciting religious conflict during these challenging times. He called for immediate police action to ensure the safety of all citizens, regardless of their faith.
The unrest reportedly began on Sunday night when the idol was allegedly defaced at a small temple in the Kaiturbari, Ranir Bazar area, approximately 13 kilometers east of Agartala. Eyewitnesses described how groups of youths on motorcycles entered the localities, inciting fear with slogans while committing acts of arson and looting, resulting in injuries to two individuals.
Minister Chowdhury and his supporters quickly responded to the scene, preventing additional damage, while senior police officials imposed Section 163 of the BNSS to avert further escalation.
In response to the tensions, the main opposition party CPI(M) attributed the unrest to a conspiracy aimed at disrupting communal harmony in the state. A party delegation has since consulted with Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, advocating for increased deployment of security forces and the apprehension of those involved in the violence.
