Agartala, October 24, 2025: The 24-hour statewide bandh called by the Tripura Civil Society, led by Tipra Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma, turned violent on Thursday with reports of widespread clashes, arson, and attacks across multiple districts. Several people, including government officials, sustained injuries as agitators vandalized shops, houses, and vehicles.
The bandh supporters blocked roads in over 45 locations, including several points in Agartala, where protestors reportedly tried to manhandle people heading to work. In Khumulwng, a passenger en route to the airport was stopped and harassed before being released.
A major incident of political violence occurred at Mungiakami under Teliamura subdivision, a day ahead of Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha’s scheduled public meeting. The BJP’s Mungiakami Shaktikendra under 29 Krishnapur Mandal allegedly came under attack by bandh supporters, including some Tipra Motha activists. Around 25–30 BJP workers were injured and admitted to the Teliamura Sub-Divisional Hospital.
According to police sources, the BJP workers were holding a preparatory meeting for the CM’s rally when the attackers struck with sticks, stones, and bamboo poles. Among the injured was Surendra Debbarma, Office Secretary of the Mandal Committee. Police rushed to the site and brought the situation under control, though tension persists. Additional forces have been deployed to prevent further escalation.
Meanwhile, violence also flared up in the Salema area of Dhalai district. Protestors allegedly torched shops and houses in the Shantir Bazar area after traders refused to close their businesses. A vehicle was set on fire, and when fire service personnel tried to intervene, their vehicle was attacked. SDPO Samudra Debbarma and Salema BDO Abhijit Majumder sustained head injuries in the violence. A local trader, Biplab Deb, suffered a serious eye injury.
Senior police official DIG Rati Ranjan Debnath later reached the scene with a large contingent of Tripura State Rifles, and the situation was brought under control late in the evening. Authorities have stepped up security across sensitive areas as tension remains high.
Meanwhile, the District Magistrate of Dhalai, Vivek H.B., IAS, has imposed restrictions under Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023, in Kamalpur Sub-Division following reports of clashes during the bandh called on Thursday late evening.
The order prohibits the assembly of more than four persons, use of weapons or dangerous materials, provocative speeches, slogan-shouting, or distribution of inflammatory pamphlets. It also bans the use of rooftops for stone-pelting and vehicle movement in prohibited areas.
Exemptions have been granted to security forces, government officials on duty, authorized personnel, and patients needing emergency treatment.
The order takes effect from the evening of October 23 and will remain in force until further notice, aimed at maintaining public peace and preventing violence.
