Internet restored, 11 arrested in connection with communal violence in Fatikroy

As the situation showed signs of improvement, the district administration on Monday lifted the suspension of internet and mobile data services in Kumarghat subdivision of Tripura’s Unakoti district. The prohibitory order imposed under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, was also relaxed and restricted to vulnerable areas.

Police said no fresh incidents of violence have been reported, with paramilitary forces continuing foot patrols in sensitive localities. So far, 11 people from both communities have been arrested in connection with the communal clashes that erupted on January 10 over the collection of subscriptions for a local religious fair. While the situation remains tense, it is largely peaceful in the mixed-population Kumarghat subdivision.

Superintendent of Police Avinash Kumar Rai said there has been no fresh violence since Saturday night and that security forces are maintaining a strict vigil through regular patrols.

Unakoti District Magistrate Tamal Majumder said internet and mobile data services, which were suspended on Saturday following the violence, were restored on Monday. He added that the prohibitory order imposed under Section 163 of the BNSS across the entire Kumarghat subdivision has now been limited to the Fatikroy police station area.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, addressing a government function in Agartala on Monday, warned that those who take the law into their own hands will not be spared.

On the same day, a delegation of the Communist Party of India (CPI) visited the incident site to assess the situation and interact with affected minority families. However, the delegation was stopped by the police administration as prohibitory orders were still in force. A delegation of the opposition Congress also met SP Avinash Rai and submitted a memorandum with a four-point charter of demands, including the arrest of all accused and government compensation for all affected families.

The violence reportedly began on Saturday when a group of youths stopped a timber-laden vehicle at Saidarpar under Fatikroy police station limits and demanded a subscription for a community fair. Tensions escalated after a minority family in the Shimultala area allegedly refused to contribute, leading to the gathering of an unruly mob that set fire to several houses, vehicles and other properties, including a timber shop, and vandalised a place of worship.

As the situation turned volatile, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Kumarghat imposed Section 163 of the BNSS to prevent further escalation and maintain law and order. Acting SP Avinash Rai, along with District Magistrate (DM) Tamal Majumder and other senior officials, rushed to the affected areas with additional forces and reviewed the security arrangements.

A large contingent of Assam Rifles, Tripura State Rifles (TSR), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and state police personnel has been deployed in the area. Additional Superintendent of Police Rupam Chakma said security forces led by senior officials are closely monitoring the situation and conducting regular patrols.

He also warned that stern action would be taken against anyone spreading rumours or circulating fake photos and videos, and appealed to the public to maintain peace and refrain from misinformation. The situation remains under close surveillance.