Prohibitory orders have been put in place and flag marches are underway. The situation is now peaceful and fully under control, claim police
NEW DELHI — A mosque, several Muslim homes and shops were set ablaze in Kumarghat in Tripura’s Unakoti district on Saturday after some Hindu groups went berserk over refusal of a Muslim trader to donate money for a puja ahead of the upcoming Bhairab Mela scheduled from January 24 to 26.
The district administration officials have imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023 in Kumarghat subdivision after large-scale arson, vandalism and attacks on Muslim properties. Authorities said the move was taken to prevent further escalation and to maintain law and order in the area, media reports reaching here said.
The violence erupted in the Saydarpara Shimultala area under the Fatikroy police station. According to police and local sources, tensions began over the collection of puja donation and the situation allegedly escalated after a Muslim man, identified as Mosabbir Ali, refused to pay the amount demanded by members of a mela committee.
Media reports said the initial argument soon turned violent and a mob allegedly blocked roads, vandalised vehicles, set fire to shops and haystacks kept outside homes, and damaged several properties. Several civilians sustained injuries, creating panic in the area.
Unakoti Superintendent of Police Avinash Rai said the police acted swiftly to control the situation. “Some youths set fire outside a few homes. We immediately deployed forces to disperse the mob. Section 163 BNSS has been imposed and flag marches are underway. The situation is now peaceful and fully under control,” he said. Media reports quoted Rai as saying that eight people have been arrested so far.
District Magistrate Dr Tamal Majumdar and SP Rai visited the affected areas and reviewed security arrangements. A large number of police personnel, along with Tripura State Rifles and Central Reserve Police Force jawans, have been deployed. Drone surveillance has also been introduced to monitor sensitive pockets.
Under Section 163, gatherings of five or more people have been banned, along with rallies, processions and public meetings. Carrying sticks, rods, stones, or any object that could cause injury has also been prohibited.
The police have warned against spreading rumours. “Any attempt to spread fake or misleading information through any medium will be viewed seriously and strict legal action will be taken,” a police statement said.
Local MLA and minister Sudhangshu Das termed the incident unfortunate but said the administration had acted promptly. “The police and local leadership handled the situation with vigilance. Those responsible will be brought to justice. I urge people not to spread misinformation,” he said.
Meanwhile, residents have shared videos on social media showing properties on fire. Jakir Hussain, a resident of Kumarghat, alleged that Muslim properties were deliberately targeted. “This was not just violence, it was an attack on humanity and the Constitution. A mosque was set on fire first, followed by houses, shops and vehicles belonging to Muslims,” he claimed.
Hussain also questioned the role of the administration. “The most painful truth is that police were present, yet the violence continued. Are we second class citizens because we are Muslims?” he asked, demanding that those involved be identified and punished.
