Agartala, April 19:
Barely days after the declaration of results to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council elections, sporadic incidents of violence across parts of Tripura have raised fresh concerns over law and order, even as the state police maintain that the situation is now under control.
The unrest follows the emphatic victory of the TIPRA Motha Party, which secured 24 out of 28 seats in the council polls declared on April 17. The party, an ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the state assembly, had contested the ADC elections independently.
Reports emerging over the past two days indicate that several offices and supporters of the BJP were allegedly targeted, with fingers being pointed at supporters of TIPRA Motha. However, the party’s leadership has publicly distanced itself from the violence.
BJP state president and Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee, who recently returned from attending a special session of Parliament, said the party has mobilised its leadership at multiple levels to respond to the unfolding situation.
He noted that ministers and senior party functionaries are visiting the homes of those affected, as well as party offices, to collect firsthand accounts and assess the ground reality.
Bhattacharjee added that he would soon meet the Director General of Police (DGP) to press for immediate measures to restore order, asserting that those responsible for the violence must be identified and dealt with firmly.
Taking a swipe at TIPRA Motha, he said that while the party often invokes the slogan of ‘Thansa’, the current situation reflects a troubling reality where tribal communities are turning against one another.
Bhattacharjee stressed that the primary focus of any political force in power within the TTAADC should remain on the development and welfare of the hill areas, rather than allowing divisions to deepen.
Meanwhile, in a strong appeal for restraint, party supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma urged communities to rise above electoral divisions and reject confrontation.
“We should not be doing this. Whoever you voted for, remember this—those being beaten are Tiprasa, and those attacking are also Tiprasa. What is the gain in this?” he said, stressing that violence among communities—be it Tiprasa, Bengalis or others—would only deepen divisions without benefiting anyone.
Calling for a shift in priorities, Debbarma added that with elections concluded, the focus must now move towards “jobs, development and rights,” rather than conflict. “We have to build a stronger Tipra where the emphasis is not on violence,” he asserted.
Director General of Police Anurag acknowledged that isolated incidents had taken place shortly after the results but maintained that swift deployment of forces had stabilised the situation.
“Senior officers and forces have been deployed across all areas… all vulnerable spots are being covered. Regular patrolling and fixed pickets are in place,” the DGP said, adding that seven DIG-rank officers have been stationed in districts for close monitoring.
He emphasised that no major incidents were reported in the last 24 hours and described the current situation as “peaceful.” Issuing a public assurance, he said the police remain available round-the-clock, urging citizens to contact the nearest police station or dial 112 in case of any emergency.
Authorities have also warned that strict legal action will be taken against those involved in violence, signalling a zero-tolerance approach as the administration seeks to prevent further escalation in the sensitive post-poll phase.
