CM Dr Saha vows justice for ATTF massacre victims
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today announced that the state government will appeal before the High Court seeking permission to reopen the Kalyanpur Bazar Colony Massacre case, with the aim of ensuring justice and bringing the perpetrators to account.
Kalyanpur (Tripura), Dec 12: Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha today delivered a potent message on justice and accountability, stating unequivocally that individuals responsible for past militant atrocities will not be shielded from prosecution, even in the wake of peace agreements.
Speaking at a solemn tribute ceremony for the victims of the 1999 Kalyanpur Bazar Colony massacre, Dr. Saha reiterated his government’s commitment to securing justice for the families of the 26 civilians slain in the notorious All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) strike.
“While offering my respects to the victims of this horrific act of terror, I prayed for the strength needed to ensure the perpetrators face justice,” Dr. Saha said.
Twenty-nine years ago, on the night of December 12, 1996, the incident occurred. The elderly people today have witnessed the incident. At that time, children, elderly, women, and men, around 26 innocent persons were killed by terrorists. Everyone is aware who was responsible.
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He said, the ATTF carried out the massacre here. Around 12 accords were signed to bring terrorists into the mainstream and to restore peace in the Northeast. However, Dr. Saha made a sharp distinction between a political settlement and criminal impunity.
“The terrorists who killed people, raped, and created violence will not be spared. Even now, some of those terrorists, wearing masks, work for people, but God is watching everything. Alo, PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Saha and BJP national president JP Nadda are keeping a close watch. Our government will try to punish them”, the Chief Minister said amidst thunderous claps.
However, Dr. Saha made a sharp distinction between a political settlement and criminal impunity.
“There will be no exemption for murderers. Yes, agreements have been signed and many have surfaced from underground, but those with blood on their hands will not receive any protection,” he cautioned, directly addressing active or resurfaced militants.
The CM stressed that efforts to secure justice for the families who lost loved ones in targeted massacres would continue. He also used the occasion to contrast his administration’s actions with previous regimes. “Never during the CPIM regime were the victims of this tragedy acknowledged. Only after the BJP formed the government did we take steps to recognise the innocent lives lost in this attack,” Dr. Saha added.
The ceremony, attended by local MLA Pinaki Das Chowdhury and other BJP leaders, included the honouring of the martyrs’ family members. The Chief Minister affirmed that the state would keep the memory of the victims alive while simultaneously pursuing legal avenues against the perpetrators, assuring attendees that “every possible effort will be made to secure justice.”
