Police have arrested ten people in connection with communal violence that broke out in Tripura’s Unakoti district, officials said on January 11, adding that the situation has since been brought under control. The clashes occurred a day earlier at Saidarpar in Kumarghat sub-division following a dispute over the collection of chanda (subscription) for a local temple.
Superintendent of Police Avinash Kumar Rai said no fresh incidents have been reported after the initial violence. He confirmed that four police personnel and six civilians sustained injuries during the clashes. To prevent further escalation, paramilitary forces have been deployed and are conducting regular foot patrols in sensitive localities.
Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita remain in effect, and internet services have been suspended as a precautionary measure. Rai said the restrictions would be reviewed periodically, and a decision on relaxation would be taken based on the ground situation.
The incident has also triggered political reactions. Congress legislature party leader Birajit Sinha alleged that police stopped him from visiting the affected area, citing security concerns, a move he said he strongly opposed. Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury criticised the BJP-led state government, accusing it of failing to safeguard the lives and property of minority community members and alleging a delayed response from the chief minister.
Rejecting the criticism, state BJP president Rajib Bhattacharjee condemned the violence and commended the police for their swift action in restoring order. Authorities said security arrangements have been further strengthened as the administration continues to closely monitor developments in the area.
