Tripura Pradesh Congress came down heavily on the ruling BJP in the State for alleged deterioration of the law and order situation because of recent communal tension, murders and thefts in different parts of the State.
Raising voices against the present law and order situation in the State, the Pradesh Congress has decided to organise protest programmes and Samhati (unity) Yatras and put pressure on the Government to act tough against the criminals.
Tripura Pradesh Cong Chief Slams CM
Tripura Pradesh Congress Chief Asish Saha launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, who also oversees the Home Department, accusing him of mismanaging the state’s law and order. Saha pointed to recent communal incidents in Kadamtala, Panisagar, and Jubarajnagar, claiming that the government has failed to uphold communal harmony in Tripura.
Highlighting a series of violent crimes, the Congress Chief cited the murder of a mother and daughter in Netaji Nagar, the rape of a girl returning home from Durga Puja festivities in Teliamura, and the assault on a mother and son in Bishalgarh.
He also brought attention to the death of a young man, allegedly due to police torture in Manu Bazar, and the stabbing of a shopkeeper in Melermath on October 15. Saha also mentioned about increasing thefts in the State.
To address these growing concerns, Saha announced that the Congress party will lead street protests starting on October 21. “We will stand up and fight for the people of Tripura,” he declared, emphasizing the widespread frustration and prevailing sadness across the state.
Unakoti Cong Points Finger at BJP for Communal Unrest
Unakoti district Congress president and Gournagar Panchayat Samiti Vice-Chairman, Md. Badruzzaman, has made a sensational claim, alleging that the recent communal unrest in various parts of Tripura stems from internal conflicts within the state’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His assertion comes in the wake of growing communal tensions, with Congress leaders pointing fingers at the BJP for inciting violence.
Further amplifying the charges, local Congress MLA Birjit Sinha accused the BJP of direct involvement in a disturbing incident where a mosque in Jubaraj Nagar Gram Panchayat was set ablaze on the night of October 16. In response, Congress workers staged a road blockade and protest in Padmerpar, Kailashahar, demanding swift justice. The protesters, led by Sinha and Md. Badruzzaman, demanded the arrest of those responsible for the mosque arson within 24 hours.
Congress Seeks Justice for Mosque Arson
Prior to the protest, a crucial party meeting was held at the residence of MLA Birjit Sinha, where the leaders deliberated on the alarming communal incidents that have unsettled Kailashahar. Speaking to party members, Sinha alleged that the BJP was behind the mosque arson, claiming that it was an attempt to provoke communal violence in the region. Drawing parallels to previous incidents, he remarked that during the Left Front regime, similar efforts were made to incite communal discord, but now, under BJP rule, tensions between Hindus and Muslims are being deliberately stoked.
Sinha voiced serious concerns about the role of the local administration in the handling of these incidents. He expressed his mistrust in the authorities, suggesting they may be complicit or indifferent to the rising communal tensions. He criticized the administration’s failure to include him and local journalists in a peace meeting held on October 17th, further fueling suspicions.
Community Solidarity Amid Tensions
In a bold gesture aimed at fostering unity, the Congress leaders decided during the meeting that Hindus in Kailashahar would guard the mosques, while Muslims would protect the temples, a measure to ensure communal harmony in the wake of escalating tensions. Sinha announced plans for a massive solidarity rally to be held before Kali Puja, a traditional event that has promoted peace in the region for over two decades. The rally is seen as a strong message against any attempts to disrupt the long-standing unity in Kailashahar.
Speaking at the protest, Md. Badruzzaman highlighted Kailashahar’s rich history of peace and brotherhood, vowing that Congress workers would not allow this legacy to be tarnished. “We will not tolerate any disturbance to the peace and harmony in Kailashahar,” he declared. Badruzzaman also called upon Dr Manik Saha’s intervention to prevent ‘provocative’ social media posts by BJP Minister Sudhangshu Das, which he claimed were exacerbating communal tensions.
Section 163 of BNSS Imposed Amid Growing Tensions
Following the mosque arson incident at Jubarajnagar, the local administration has imposed Section 163 of BNSS across the entire Kailashahar subdivision to prevent further violence. Despite the peace meeting held by the district administration with representatives from political parties, the exclusion of MLA Sinha has raised serious concerns among residents. Many are now questioning the impartiality of the administration, particularly in its handling of the sensitive situation.
With smmering tension, the Congress has called for immediate arrests of the culprits involved in mosque arson and heightened vigilance to restore peace in Kailashahar.
(Tripura, Northeast)
