Violence in Kamalpur during Bandh: Prohibitory Orders clamped
Agartala, October 23: The violence broke out in Shantirbazar of Kamalpur sub-division under the Dhalai District on October 23 during the statewide shutdown called by the Tiprasa Civil Society, an organization reportedly backed by the ruling BJP’s ally, Tipra Motha. The situation turned tense as bandh supporters resorted to vandalism, leaving at least 20 people, including government officials, injured. Administration clamped prohibitory orders and suspended internet.
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha condemned the violent attack. He also said, such acts of violence are unacceptable. The administration is directed to take swift and strict action against those responsible. Lok Sabha MP Biplab Kumar Deb too condemned the incident.
Eyewitnesses said that chaos erupted when Tiprasa Civil Society activists stormed the local market, vandalizing several shops and setting vehicles ablaze. As traders attempted to resist the attackers, the mob allegedly went on a rampage, causing extensive damage to public and private property. Even a fire service vehicle that arrived to douse the flames was vandalized by the agitators.
We strongly condemn the violent attack by Tipra Motha supporters on Shri Abhijit Majumdar (BDO, Salema),Engineer Shri Animesh Saha, and residents of Santirbazar, Dhalai District.
Such acts of violence are unacceptable. The administration is directed to take swift and strict…
— Prof.(Dr.) Manik Saha (@DrManikSaha2) October 23, 2025
Among those injured were Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Samudra Debbarma, who suffered a head injury after being struck by a brick, and Salema Block Development Officer (BDO) Abhijit Chowdhury, whose vehicle was attacked, leaving him with head wounds. A trader, Biplab Deb, sustained a serious eye injury from a splinter of an exploding firecracker. Several others also received injuries during the violence.
In response to the escalating situation, District Magistrate of Dhalai, Vivek H.B., IAS, imposed prohibitory restrictions under Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023, across the Kamalpur Sub-Division on Thursday evening.
The order, issued to prevent further unrest and ensure public safety, restricts the assembly of more than four persons, prohibits the use of weapons or dangerous materials, and bans provocative speeches or distribution of inflammatory pamphlets. It also disallows the use of rooftops for pelting stones and restricts vehicular movement in prohibited zones.
The order, however, exempts military and paramilitary forces, police personnel on law and order duty, authorized officials, and patients requiring immediate medical treatment. The District Magistrate clarified that the prohibitory order was issued ex-parte due to the emergent situation and will remain effective until further notice. Any violation of the directive will invite prosecution under Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023.
Authorities have urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies as efforts continue to restore peace and normalcy in Kamalpur sub-division and surrounding areas.
