Amarpur/Ampi (Tripura) June 2: The youth wing (YTF) of TIPRA Motha Party (TMP) held a demonstration announcing ‘shutdown’ of Government offices in Gomati District on Monday in protest against Gomati DM Tarit Kanti Chakma who recently refused to meet TMP supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma at DM’s residence on Government holiday.
Along with ‘symbolic’ locking of the Gomati DM office at Udaipur, the YTF activists also held similar protest in other areas of the District including Amarpur and Ampinagar.
Joined by student and women’s organizations, YTF staged a protest on Monday locking the gates of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s (SDM) office and the Ampi Block office in Amarpur, Gomati District.
The agitators, numbering around 250, demanded the immediate transfer or dismissal of Gomati District Magistrate Tarit Kanti Chakma, accusing him of ignoring their leader, Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, also known as Bubagra (Maharaja) and neglecting public interest.
The protests began at 9:30 am, with TMP’s frontal organizations and Youth Tipra Federation (YTF), assembling in front of the administrative offices.
Without resistance from local authorities, the protesters locked the main gates of both offices and staged a blockade, bringing administrative functions to a halt.
Led by Ampi Block TMP president Sanjay Jamatia, the demonstrators raised slogans condemning Chakma’s refusal.
“For the past month, the District Magistrate has ignored Bubagra’s attempts to communicate,” Jamatia stated.
“When Bubagra visited his residence to address urgent public interest matters, Chakma refused to meet him—an act we consider undemocratic and disrespectful. We demand a compassionate and responsible District Magistrate who prioritizes social harmony and progress.”
The situation remained tense until 1 PM when Dolly Reang, Executive Member of the Autonomous District Council, intervened.
Following discussions with protesting leaders and the Sub-Divisional Police Officer, the locks were removed, temporarily easing the standoff.
However, TMP leaders warned of a “larger movement” if their demand for Chakma’s transfer is not met in the coming days.
The protests have sparked controversy, with questions raised about the Sub-Divisional Police Administration’s response.
Despite deploying a significant security force, including Tripura State Rifles (TSR) – what locals described as a “war-like atmosphere”—the police did not intervene as the offices were locked. This apparent inaction has fueled public speculation about the administration’s intention in handling of the situation.
The TMP’s actions underscore growing discontent with the Gomati district administration, with the party framing their protest as a stand for accountability and cooperative governance.
As tensions simmer, all eyes are on the state government’s next move in resolving the present situation. Notably, TMP is an ally of the ruling BJP in Tripura.
