Agartala, January 10:
Following incidents of arson, burning and vandalism targeting allegedly minority properties, including a place of worship, in the Kumarghat sub-division of Tripura’s Unakoti district, the district administration on Saturday imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, to prevent escalation of communal tension and maintain law and order.
The incidents reportedly stemmed from a dispute over the collection of money for a community festival.
Tension flared up after a minority family in the Shimulltala area allegedly refused to contribute, following which an unruly mob gathered, setting fire to properties and vandalising a place of worship.
The situation quickly became volatile as news of the incident spread across the mixed-population locality.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Avinash Rai, accompanied by District Magistrate Tamal Majumder, visited the affected areas and reviewed the security arrangements.
Speaking to reporters, SP Rai said that tension erupted in the morning when some individuals allegedly set fire outside a few houses.
“Police forces were immediately rushed to the spot and the crowd was dispersed. Considering the situation, the SDM promulgated Section 163 and a large number of security personnel have been deployed. Flag marches will continue, though the situation is currently peaceful,” he said.
On the extent of damage, the SP stated that a detailed spot damage assessment is being conducted by the DCM.
“I saw two to three houses where fire had broken out in haystacks outside the structures. Firefighters reached promptly and doused the flames,” he added.
Rai also confirmed that a few people have already been arrested and said more arrests are likely as the investigation progresses, with cases to be registered soon.
As part of preventive measures under Section 163, the administration has prohibited the assembly of five or more persons at public places. Carrying of arms, lathis, sticks, rods, stones or any other objects capable of causing injury has been banned, along with processions, rallies, demonstrations and public meetings.
Despite heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces and the conduct of flag marches, tension was reported to be prevailing in some pockets of the area.
The situation is under close surveillance and authority appealed to the public to maintain peace and not to spread rumours.
