Hundreds of Tipra Motha workers on Saturday forcefully took over the management of the Chabimura tourism centre, asserting that the site falls under the jurisdiction of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) and should therefore be administered by the party currently in power in the council.
The workers locked the main gate of the management office and declared that members of the existing committee would not be allowed to enter the premises. Despite the takeover, the group assured that tourists visiting from different parts of the state and beyond would not face any inconvenience in accessing the scenic destination.
Chabimura, one of Tripura’s most renowned tourist attractions, is famous for its 15th–16th century rock carvings of Hindu deities etched into steep sandstone cliffs along the Gomati River. Among the most striking sculptures is a towering 20-foot image of Goddess Durga. Often referred to as the “Amazon of Tripura,” the site draws visitors who undertake long boat rides to witness its natural beauty and historic artistry.
Explaining the move, a Tipra Motha supporter stated that since 2018, a committee comprising leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had been managing the affairs of the tourism centre. According to him, control remained with that committee until 2026, despite the area falling within the TTAADC’s administrative jurisdiction. He argued that as the ruling party of the ADC, Tipra Motha has the rightful authority to oversee the management of the site.
The sudden takeover led to disruption of routine operations at the tourism centre, with regular activities remaining stalled throughout the day amid tension and uncertainty. While no immediate reports of violence emerged, the situation created confusion among staff and visitors.
The incident has brought attention to ongoing administrative and political disagreements over control of resources within ADC areas. Observers note that how the situation is resolved could have broader implications for governance and coordination between state authorities and the autonomous council in Tripura.
