Kailashahar violence: CM warns of stern action against violence, Suo-Moto FIR lodged

Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Saturday warned of strict action against anyone attempting to disturb peace and harmony following a violent clash allegedly involving two factions of the ruling BJP and a few minority individuals in Kailashahar town of Unakoti district on the auspicious day of ‘Saraswati Puja’ (Friday).

The incident triggered tension in the area, prompting tight security measures. The Chief Minister made it clear that any one involved in violence would be spared and that strict legal action would be taken, irrespective of political affiliation.

According to reports, the Hindu Jagaran Mancha, led by a group of local BJP leaders, staged a demonstration demanding the arrest of those accused. They alleged that a group of minority miscreants attacked BJP Mandal President Pritam Ghosh when he visited the northern part of Kailashahar after receiving information about alleged religious instigation aimed at disrupting Saraswati Puja celebrations.

However, BJP Yuva Morcha Unakoti district President Arup Dhar denied the allegations and lodged a counter-complaint with the police. Dhar claimed that a group of miscreants led by Mandal President Pritam Ghosh and Kailashahar Municipal Council Vice-Chairperson Nitish De had carried out an unprovoked attack on his residence. He alleged that his wife and mother were assaulted and that his house and a BJP booth office were vandalised in broad daylight.

Dhar further alleged that the accused later attempted to give the incident a communal colour to cover up their misdeeds, unnecessarily triggering communal tension in the district at a time when Union Minister of DONER Jyotiraditya Scindia was visiting North Tripura to review development activities.

Meanwhile, in the afternoon, a group of BJP activists led by Nitish De gheraoed the Kailashahar police station, alleging that certain miscreants, with the support of influential individuals, had illegally occupied a government quarter for over a year and were using it for illegal and anti-social activities. The protesters demanded immediate demolition of the structure.

Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag stated that the police have taken suo-motu cognisance of the incident. He assured that all those identified as being involved would be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law. He clarified that the clash occurred between two rival groups and that investigations are underway to ascertain the exact cause of the violence. The DGP reiterated that indiscipline and lawlessness would not be tolerated.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Minister Dr Saha also appealed to all concerned not to politicise the matter. He stressed that maintaining law and order remains the government’s top priority and reiterated that there would be no political interference in such cases. “Whoever is guilty will be punished strictly as per law,” the Chief Minister said.

Kailashahar MLA and Congress Legislative Party leader Birajit Sinha strongly reacted to the incident, terming it a result of internal conflict within the BJP. According to him, the disturbance occurred due to a clash between two BJP factions over contractor-related issues. He also dismissed reports suggesting that the incident was communal in nature.