Officials point to a humanitarian crisis of alarming proportions in the west Tripura town of Ranirbazar
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), a premier Muslim organisation of the country, has expressed serious concern over the recent communal violence in the west Tripura town of Ranirbazar. It has called for immediate state intervention to help the victims.
“We are deeply troubled by the horrific events that unfolded on the night of 25 August 2024, in the villages of Durganagar and Koitorabari, Ranirbazar, Tripura. The violent attacks targeted innocent Muslim families, resulting in the destruction of homes, vehicles, and livestock, leaving around 30 families devastated and homeless. This brutal assault, carried out by anti-social elements allegedly affiliated with Hindutva elements, shows a disturbing rise in communal tensions in Tripura, JIH Vice President Malik Motasim Khan said in a statement issued here on Saturday.
It said what was more alarming was the apparent complicity or negligence of local authorities, including a state minister, who was present during the attacks but failed to prevent or stop the violence. “It is crucial that the state takes a firm stand against any group attempting to incite communal hatred and violence. We call for urgent government intervention to address the crisis,” the statement said.
“Such incidents are a direct consequence of the dangerous narratives of “retaliatory justice” that have been propagated in the region, falsely accusing the Muslim community and justifying such communal violence,” Khan said.
Condemning the “calculated campaign of hate in the strongest terms,” the statement said it was particularly concerning that the state government has remained silent, offering no support or assurance to the victims. “The lack of a decisive response from opposition leaders further aggravates the political and administrative failures in addressing this grave situation. The situation remains volatile, and without swift and decisive action, it risks escalating into a larger communal conflict,” Khan’s statement said.
JIH National Secretary Shafi Madani said the aftermath of the violence has exposed a humanitarian crisis of alarming proportions. “The affected families are now without shelter, food, and basic necessities, struggling to survive in conditions that are both physically and emotionally distressing. Despite this, the local administration has imposed severe restrictions on access to the affected areas, effectively blocking relief efforts and preventing the media from reporting on the situation. This deliberate media blackout and denial of humanitarian assistance are not only unjust but also a blatant violation of the rights of the victims,” he said.
Strongly urging the immediate lifting of the restrictions to allow humanitarian organisations to provide the necessary relief to the affected families, Madani said the government must take immediate steps to ensure the safety and security of all communities in Tripura, deploying adequate security forces to prevent further violence.
Madani said the JIH will also be working closely with other organisations to promote communal harmony and rebuild trust between communities in Tripura. “The events in Ranirbazar show the destruction caused by unchecked communalism and the need for sustained efforts to protect the rights and dignity of all citizens. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind remains committed to supporting the victims and will continue to push for long-term peace, justice, and reconciliation in the region. We also call upon civil society and human rights organisations to join us in demanding justice and rehabilitation for the victims,” his statement concluded.