The 24-hour statewide bandh called by the Tripura Civil Society, led by Tipra Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma, spiraled into widespread violence and chaos on Thursday, leaving scores injured and public property destroyed. 

The protest, initially announced as a peaceful demonstration, quickly degenerated into aggressive blockades, vandalism, and attacks targeting ordinary citizens, government officials, and political workers.

From Agartala to the farthest corners of the state, bandh supporters resorted to road blockades and violent picketing at over 45 locations, disrupting normal life and instilling fear among the public. Several incidents of intimidation and assault were reported, as protestors forcibly stopped vehicles and attacked those who refused to comply with the shutdown.

In Agartala, protestors allegedly harassed office-goers and commuters. 

A passenger heading to the airport was stopped and manhandled by agitators before being released.

In one of the most serious incidents, political violence erupted in Mungiakami under the Teliamura subdivision, just a day before Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha’s scheduled public meeting. A group of bandh supporters, reportedly including Tipra Motha activists, launched an unprovoked attack on BJP workers gathered at the Mungiakami Shaktikendra. Around 25–30 people were injured, among them Surendra Debbarma, Office Secretary of the Mandal Committee. Police intervened and managed to bring the situation under control, but tension continues to prevail.

Party leaders of the BJP have condemned the attack, calling it a deliberate attempt by bandh supporters to sabotage the Chief Minister’s rally. A written complaint has been filed, naming several accused individuals.

Meanwhile, Salema and Shantir Bazar in Dhalai district witnessed shocking scenes of violence. Protestors enforcing the bandh attacked and looted shops, set several establishments ablaze, and vandalized vehicles. When traders resisted the forced closure, the agitators returned in larger numbers, setting fire to market stalls and attacking fire service personnel who arrived to control the blaze.

Even government officials were not spared. SDPO Samudra Debbarma sustained a head injury after being struck by a brick, while Salema BDO Abhijit Majumder was injured when his vehicle was attacked. Local trader Biplab Deb also suffered serious eye injuries after being hit by stones hurled by protestors.

The violent escalation prompted the police to deploy additional forces across sensitive areas. DIG Rati Ranjan Debnath rushed to Salema with a large contingent of Tripura State Rifles to restore order.

Despite the Civil Society’s claims of fighting for indigenous rights and implementation of the Tiprasa Accord, the bandh has drawn sharp criticism from the public for plunging the state into violence and anarchy. The destruction of property, attacks on civilians, and obstruction of essential services have sparked outrage, raising questions about the organizers’ motives and their disregard for law and order.

Authorities have condemned the violent actions and assured that strict measures will be taken against those involved in the vandalism and assaults.