Agartala, January 6, 2026: Normal life came to a standstill on Tuesday after Tipra Motha supporters enforced a road blockade, protesting the recent notification of Bishramganj Nagar Panchayat. The agitation disrupted traffic along the crucial Gomati–South Tripura route, leaving students, examinees, and daily commuters stranded for hours.

The Nagar Panchayat, constituted on December 31, 2025, through the merger of Bishramganj, Chesrimai, and Barjala Gram Panchayats, has triggered controversy over alleged inclusion of land under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC). Protesters accused the government of violating constitutional provisions and demanded immediate withdrawal of the notification.

Sepahijala District Magistrate Sidharth Shiv Jaiswal, IAS, rejected the allegations, clarifying that the proposal was based solely on revenue records and administrative boundaries. “There is no overlap with TTAADC jurisdiction. Boundaries were finalized after due process,” officials asserted.

Despite the administration’s stance, TTAADC Chief Executive Member Purna Chandra Jamatia raised objections in a letter to Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, alleging that ADC land had been incorporated without council consent. He pointed to earlier precedents where ADC approval was sought for major institutions such as the district hospital and SP office.

Government sources countered the claim, accusing the CEM of misleading the public and fuelling unrest. Officials maintained that no consultation was necessary since the notified area does not fall under ADC jurisdiction.

To resolve boundary concerns, a joint demarcation team led by SDM Bishalgarh has been constituted, involving officials from Bishalgarh and Bishramganj, representatives of the Nagar Panchayat, TTAADC, and local social workers. The team will conduct field verification to clear ambiguities.

Meanwhile, the blockade caused severe hardship for hundreds of students appearing for examinations, many of whom had to walk long distances to reach their centres. Residents voiced frustration, warning that repeated disruptions were harming academics, essential travel, and public life.

As tension persisted into the evening, the district administration appealed for restraint and cooperation, stressing that governance and development must not be derailed by misinformation or agitation.