Agartala, November 19, 2025: Kailashahar witnessed a violent outbreak on Tuesday night as a clash between rival contractor groups turned the Tilabazar market area under Gournagar RD Block into a scene of chaos. What began as a verbal dispute at the Public Works Department (PWD) office earlier in the day escalated into open firing and attacks with sharp weapons in the evening, triggering panic among residents.

According to local sources, tensions had been brewing between contractor groups from Irani and Lathiapura panchayats over a road construction tender reportedly secured by a contractor from Tilabazar using his brother’s license. The dispute intensified after repeated threats were allegedly issued to the tender holders regarding roadwork in Irani and Nurpur panchayats.

The situation exploded on Tuesday evening when, as alleged by Liton Ali, the brother of injured contractor Mithun Ali, an armed group led by individuals identified as Teramiya, Safat Mia, Imran Ali and Sufian Ali stormed Tilabazar. They reportedly opened fire and attacked rivals with sharp weapons, including knives. A youth named Imran Ali fled the scene, abandoning his car, from which police later recovered multiple sharp weapons. The vehicle is now in the custody of Irani Police Station.

Five people were injured in the clash. The injured have been identified as Abdul Samim (Miton) (35), Abdul Hannan (45), Zakir Hossain (40), Safat Mia (49) and Hussain Ahmed (25). All were rushed to Unakoti District Hospital. Hospital authorities said that four of them—Samim, Hannan, Zakir and Safat—are in critical condition and will be referred to Agartala’s GB Pant Hospital for advanced treatment.

Additional police forces and TSR personnel have been deployed both at the district hospital and in the Tilabazar area to prevent further escalation.

The violent incident has sparked fear across Kailashahar, with residents expressing concern over what they describe as administrative and political failure to contain rising tensions linked to the contracting business. Locals warn that if the administration does not act decisively, the situation could deteriorate further.

Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Rughul A, who is overseeing the security arrangements along with the Kailashahar Police Station OC and TSR personnel, confirmed the incident. “Some incidents took place in Tilabazar today in which about four to five people were injured. Some are critical and are being referred for advanced treatment. The situation is currently under control, and the administration is closely monitoring developments,” he said.

The tense atmosphere in Tilabazar continues to cast a shadow over the region as authorities work to restore normalcy.