Opposition Leader and CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Jitendra Choudhury has accused the Tripura government of incompetence and administrative inaction, claiming that traders in Shantirbazar have suffered severe losses due to the failure of authorities to maintain law and order.

During a visit to Shantirbazar under Kamalpur subdivision today, Choudhury met affected traders and local residents. 

He was accompanied by CPI(M) state committee member Sudhan Das, state secretariat members Ratan Das and Radha Charan Debbarma, and Dhalai district secretary Anjan Das.

Referring to the violence that erupted on October 23 during a bandh called by the Tipra Civil Society, Choudhury said supporters of the bandh allegedly looted shops, assaulted traders, set vehicles on fire, and vandalized numerous establishments. As a result, several businessmen from both tribal and non-tribal communities were severely affected.

Speaking to reporters, the Opposition Leader alleged that workers of Tipra Motha unleashed violence in the market during the bandh, causing large-scale damage. 

He further claimed that BJP workers later launched retaliatory attacks, worsening the situation.

“Under the guise of the bandh, both the BJP and Tipra Motha attempted to fuel division between tribal and non-tribal communities in the state,” Choudhury said. 

“The incident at Shantirbazar is a direct outcome of that politically motivated plan.”

He criticized the administration, stating that no preventive measures were taken at the beginning of the bandh despite clear signs of unrest. 

“The administration practically supported the picketers through its silence. It is due to the government’s indifference and administrative inactivity that traders have been so severely affected,” he said.

Choudhury acknowledged that the government has provided financial assistance to some of the affected individuals but added that the support is insufficient for them to return to normal life. He urged the state government to provide additional compensation to help the victims recover from their losses.