Agartala, Nov 13 — Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday called for peace and unity between the Jaati (non-tribal) and Janajati (tribal) communities, stressing that the government remains committed to protecting the state’s ethnic harmony.
Visiting violence-hit Santirbazar in Dhalai district, Saha said, “The government will not spare anyone trying to disturb peace and harmony. People want unity, not unrest.” The Chief Minister was accompanied by senior officials during his visit to assess damages and meet traders affected by the recent clashes.
Violence broke out on October 23 during a state-wide shutdown called by the Tiprasa Civil Society (TCS), affiliated with the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), in support of an eight-point demand that included the deportation of illegal migrants. A section of protesters allegedly attacked people and officials at Santirbazar market, leaving over a dozen injured, including Salema BDO Abhijit Majumdar, Kamalpur SDPO Samudra Debbarma, engineer Animesh Saha, and trader Subrata Paul.
Saha said the violence was “a conspiracy” similar to past incidents in Gandatwisa and other parts of Dhalai. He added that seven people had been arrested so far, and law enforcement agencies were directed to ensure strict action against the culprits. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita were imposed immediately after the incident and withdrawn on October 31.
The Chief Minister announced relief for those affected, stating that the government will provide Rs 3 lakh for fully damaged houses or shops, Rs 1.5 lakh for severely damaged ones, and Rs 15,000 for partial damages.
Saha also instructed the District Magistrate to ensure swift rehabilitation of victims and promised financial and medical aid to the injured. “We must stay united. I believe such incidents will not be repeated,” he said.
