YTF demonstrators ‘symbolically’ locked Gomati DM office along with other Government offices in places like Kakraban and Killa.
Tripura administration is facing intense backlash for permitting Tipra Motha activists to “symbolically” lock the office of the District Magistrate in Gomati district — a key hub of the region’s civil governance. What has raised eyebrows further is that the protest, which coincided with a district-wide shutdown, was not just allowed by authorities but was reportedly enabled by the same security personnel responsible for maintaining law and order.
Udaipur (Tripura), June 2: The Youth Tipra Federation (YTF), the youth wing of the Tipra Motha Party (TMP) which is an ally of ruling BJP in Tripura, held a massive demonstration in front of Gomati DM Office on Monday, as part of their pre-announced program, protesting against DM Tarit Kanti Chakma’s alleged refusal to meet the TMP Chief Pradyot Kishore Debbarma on May 25.
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During today’s protest, YTF demonstrators issued a stern ultimatum to the Tripura government demanding the immediate transfer of Gomati District Magistrate (DM) Tarit Kanti Chakma within 24 to 48 hours.
Failure to comply, the group warned, will result in widespread demonstrations across the district, including gherao of all government offices.
What happened today
According to Fantasy TV Tripura, Tipra Motha workers and supporters began gathering in front of the Gomati District Magistrate’s office in the midst of heavy rain.
Although significant police deployment was in place — including Gomati Superintendent of Police Namit Pathak, Additional SP Souvik Dey, Sub-Divisional Police Officer Nirman Das, and several hundred personnel from Tripura Police, TSR, and CRPF — Tipra Motha workers quickly dismantled the police barricades near the DM’s office. The police reportedly remained passive observers.
Later, in the presence of law enforcement, a group of ten protesters locked the main gate of the DM’s office. Subsequently, locks were also placed on the offices of the Kakraban and Killa Block Development Officers.
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Addressing the media on Monday, YTF president Suraj Debbarma squarely blamed the government for public grievances arising from what he described as administrative inaction.
“If government offices are not functioning, it is the administration that must be held accountable,” Debbarma said.
The YTF leadership accused the government of shielding the District Magistrate at the expense of indigenous sentiments, particularly amid severe weather conditions that have led to flood-like situations in several areas.
“We’ve made our stand clear. If the administration continues to protect one officer against the will of lakhs of indigenous people, it must take responsibility for what follows,” Debbarma asserted.
Earlier in the day, thousands of YTF supporters staged a protest outside the Gomati DM’s office. The protest escalated when demonstrators locked the main entrance of the office after breaching a security barricade, eyewitnesses reported. Although there was a minor scuffle with security personnel, no major violence was reported.
In anticipation of unrest, a heavy deployment of security forces was observed throughout Udaipur town. Multiple barricades were erected around sensitive government buildings, especially the DM’s office. Despite the tension, YTF leaders maintained that their protest is a justified reaction to continued administrative disregard.
“Though we are in alliance with the BJP, we cannot be taken for granted,” Debbarma emphasized. “We draw our strength from Maharaja Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, and we won’t retreat under pressure.”
Root of the Conflict: DM’s Alleged Refusal to Meet TMP supremo, CEM
The controversy stems from an incident on May 25, a government holiday, when TMP founder and TTAADC MDC Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, along with Chief Executive Member (CEM) Purna Chandra Jamatia, visited the residence of DM Tarit Kanti Chakma seeking a discussion on urgent tribal development issues. According to TMP, the DM declined to meet them.
TMP leaders claim this is not the first time their attempts at dialogue were ignored. The memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister cites previous efforts to meet the DM on April 10, April 13, May 2, and May 6, all of which were reportedly disregarded without explanation.
The situation prompted TMP leaders to demand disciplinary action against Chakma. In response, Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha has reportedly ordered an inquiry into the matter.
CM Calls for Amicable Resolution
Speaking to reporters, Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha acknowledged receiving a phone call from Pradyot Kishore and confirmed that a deputation had also met him. “The issue should be resolved in a manner that upholds everyone’s dignity,” he said. “There appears to have been a communication gap, and such incidents must not recur.”
Dr. Saha added that he would take a firm stance once a detailed written report is submitted. “I’ve spoken to the Chief Secretary and will act based on the report I receive,” he assured.
TMP Memorandum Highlights Broader Administrative Lapses
In addition to the ongoing standoff, the TMP memorandum expressed serious concerns over broader administrative failures. These include the delay in disbursing MGNREGA wages in several TTAADC areas, which has severely impacted rural livelihoods.
Other issues flagged include procedural lapses in the implementation of the Chief Minister’s Rubber Mission—a key economic program—and delays in constructing forest check dams, despite repeated proposals. The memorandum also highlighted several unresolved infrastructure and welfare concerns affecting tribal communities.
As tensions rise in Gomati district, all eyes are on the state administration’s next move. The YTF’s ultimatum, bolstered by mass demonstration, marks a critical moment for governance in Tripura.
Whether the government chooses to transfer the DM or stand firm could set the tone for its relationship with indigenous leadership and allied political partners in the months ahead.
(Corrigendum: In an inadvertent mistake name of the Gomati DM was wrongly mentioned as Tarit Kumar Chakma in the sub heading and the body of the news. The name of the Gomati District DM is Tarit Kanti Chakma.)
