The Tripura State Committee of the Amra Bangali Party has called for a judicial probe into the 1980 massacre of Bengalis in the state, demanding justice for the victims’ families and comprehensive rehabilitation measures.
The party emphasized the need for accountability, compensation, and long-term socio-economic reforms to ensure the safety and rights of affected communities.
Addressing a press conference in Agartala on Saturday, Gouranga Rudra Pal, the secretary of the Amra Bangali Party’s State Committee, condemned the brutal killings of Bengali people in different parts of Tripura at the hands of extremists.
He reiterated that justice remained elusive even after more than four decades, and the wounds of the massacre continued to haunt the affected families.
Rudra Pal also drew attention to past instances of protests in the state, citing the National Highway blockade orchestrated by the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT) before the 2018 Assembly elections and the more recent blockade staged on Friday by surrendered militants.
He also pointed out, the latest NH blockade was held at the of the ongoing Board exams. He alleged this caused immense troubles for candidates, teachers and other concerned stakeholders.
Notably, protestors announced the Board exams candidates and emergency services wouldn’t come under purview of the blockade.
However, Rudra Pal expressed concern as the protestors reportedly threatened to block the NH in coming days if their demands were not meet. In view of the emerging situation, Amra Bangali Party raised following 4-point demands.
1. The formation of a judicial inquiry commission to identify and punish those guilty of the June 1980 massacre and subsequent massacres in accordance with the law.
2. Full compensation and rehabilitation with security for all sections of people—tribal and non-tribal—affected, injured, or killed in the June 1980 massacre and subsequent incidents, ensuring their return to their original homes.
3. Guaranteeing 100% employment for the people by utilizing Tripura’s natural and human resources through block-wise development plans.
4. Establishing the constitutional rights of Bengalis in Tripura by putting an end to false propaganda.
