Agartala, August 31: Leaders of the Tripura State Jamiat Ulema e Hind gathered in front of the Tripura Police headquarters on Thursday, demanding justice for the recent violence against the minority Muslim population in Durganagar, Agartala.
The violence, which occurred on Saturday, saw dozens of houses and vehicles being torched following communal tensions triggered by the defacing of a Kali idol.
The delegation, led by Mufti Taibur Rehaman, the state president of the Tripura State Jamiat Ulema e Hind, submitted a deputation for DGP through SP West Tripura district, Kiren Kumar, after initially seeking a meeting with the Director General of Police (DGP).
Their demands included the punishment of those responsible for the desecration of the goddess Kali idol, which they claim sparked the violent attacks on the minority community.
They informed that earlier, a team from the Jamiat Ulema e Hind conducted a spot verification and loss assessment at Durganagar, the report of which was submitted to DM West Tripura, Dr. Vishal Kumar.
The Jamiat leaders reported that 34 minority houses and vehicles were vandalized, torched, and looted, with the total estimated damages amounting to around ₹1.8 crore.
They called on the government to provide compensation for the losses and urged the authorities to stop the rising incidents of temple and idol desecration in mixed-population areas, which they believe are deliberate attempts to incite communal tensions.
Reacting to the incident, Tripura royal scion and ruling TIPRA Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma condemned the violence, suggesting a political conspiracy behind the events.
He urged the people of Tripura to maintain communal harmony and warned against turning the state into another Pakistan or Bangladesh.
Again, Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, whose constituency witnessed the recent violence, addressed reporters at the Secretariat, stating that the situation is currently under control.
Chowdhury also pointed out that certain elements are attempting to exploit the situation for political gain by inciting communal violence. However, he asserted that Tripura has a long history of peaceful coexistence and communal harmony, and no one will be allowed to disrupt this peace for their own malicious purposes.
He emphasized the need for collective efforts to overcome the ongoing flood crisis.
Meantime, in response to the situation, the administration has extended the prohibitory orders in Durganagar, under the jurisdiction of Ranirbazar police station.
Five arrests have been made in connection with the attacks and arson that took place on the night of August 25, following the discovery of the defaced Kali idol in a roadside temple opposite a mosque.
The situation remains tense as authorities work to restore peace and stability in the affected area.
