Widespread tension gripped parts of Dhalai district in Tripura on Wednesday after violence broke out during a 24-hour bandh called by the Tripura Civil Society, leading to injuries to several people, including government officials. The bandh, which was meant to be a peaceful protest, soon turned violent as clashes erupted between protesters and local traders in Salema under Kamalpur Sub-division.
Among the injured are Block Development Officer (BDO) Abhijit Majumder and engineer Animesh Saha, who were attacked while trying to pacify a mob that had gathered near Shantir Bazar market. Both officers were later shifted to a local hospital, where they are undergoing treatment. Their condition is stated to be stable, though they sustained multiple injuries during the chaos.
According to police officials, the bandh was organized to press several long-pending demands, including the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Tripura, the detection and deportation of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, and the implementation of the Tiprasa Accord, which aims to safeguard the rights of the state’s indigenous population. 
What started as a peaceful gathering in the morning turned violent when a group of bandh supporters entered Shantir Bazar market, asking traders to close their shops. Many shopkeepers initially refused, saying they could not afford to lose another day’s earnings. The argument soon escalated, and within hours, the situation spiraled out of control.
Witnesses said that a large group of protesters returned to the market area later in the day, this time in greater numbers. They reportedly looted several shops and set a few on fire, forcing traders and pedestrians to flee the area. Some vehicles were also damaged in the chaos. Local residents said the violence continued for nearly an hour before security forces arrived.
“There were hardly any police personnel when the violence began,” said a shopkeeper who managed to escape. “By the time reinforcements came, many shops were already ransacked. We tried to protect our goods, but it was impossible.”
A senior police officer confirmed that law enforcement officials and administrative personnel were among those injured during the clashes. “The BDO and an engineer were caught in the middle of the confrontation while trying to calm the situation,” he said. “Both sustained injuries when the mob turned aggressive.”
Following the outbreak of violence, Dhalai District Magistrate Vivek H. B. imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in Kamalpur Sub-division. The order restricts movement and public gatherings in sensitive areas to prevent further violence and protect human life and property.
In a statement, the district administration said the decision was taken “to maintain peace and order and prevent any untoward incident.” Security forces were deployed immediately after the order came into effect.
A large contingent of the Tripura State Rifles (TSR), led by DIG Rati Ranjan Debnath, was rushed to the affected areas. The DIG personally supervised the operation to disperse the crowd and bring the situation under control. By evening, officials said the area was “peaceful but tense.”
Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha strongly condemned the incident, describing the attack on government officials and residents as “unacceptable and unfortunate.” In an official statement, he said,
“We strongly condemn the violent attack on BDO Abhijit Majumder, engineer Animesh Saha, and the residents of Shantir Bazar. Such acts of violence are unacceptable in a democratic society. I have directed the administration and police to take strict and swift action against those responsible.”
The Chief Minister also appealed to the public to maintain peace and assured that all injured officials and civilians would receive proper medical care.
