Communal Violence in Tripura: 1 Killed, 2 Injured in Police Firing

Atleast one person died while two others were injured reportedly in police firing as several shops were looted and set ablaze in northern Tripura’s Kadamtala area on Sunday following violent clashes between members of two religious communities.

The clashes, which broke out in the Dharmanagar subdivision of North Tripura district, prompted the police to fire several rounds and resort to lathi charges in different phases to control the escalating situation.

According to a senior police official the unrest reportedly started over a dispute between members of a local club and the passengers and driver of a vehicle regarding Durga Puja subscription collection.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Bhanupada Chakraborty stated that the initial altercation quickly led to a larger communal conflict.

“On receiving information about the tension, we took immediate action to disperse both groups. We are closely monitoring the situation, and if the situation improves, we may reconsider imposing prohibitory orders,” SP Chakraborty said.

He confirmed reports of houses attacked and property damage, including a beauty parlour which he visited, but emphasized that efforts are being made to maintain communal harmony.

In the evening, a mob vandalized and looted several shops in Kadamtala market. Before fleeing, they set fire to the shops, resulting in extensive damage.

To control the violence, security forces fired, resulting in one reported death and injuries to two others, although official confirmation is still pending.

Few police personnel were also injured during the clashes and subsequent lathi charge.

Senior police official including IG (Operations) Carey Marak reached the spot along with addition enforcement.

Security forces, including Tripura State Rifles (TSR), were deployed in the mixed-populated Kadamtala region, which adjoins southern Assam.

In response to the escalating violence, the district administration imposed dusk to dawn prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in Kadamtala until Wednesday.

Authorities have urged residents to maintain peace, avoid gatherings, and refrain from spreading rumors.

Despite efforts to restore calm, high tension prevails across Dharmanagar, the district headquarters of North Tripura, as authorities continue to assess the damage and maintain order.