Political Tensions Escalate in Tripura: Youth Congress Leader’s Father and Brother Arrested, BJP Files Multiple FIRs, Religious Discord Sparks Outrage

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, June 9, 2025

Political unrest continues to grip Tripura as West Agartala police today arrested Nazrul Islam and Khairul Islam, father and brother of Youth Congress leader Shahjahan Islam. The arrests came just a day after alleged BJP supporters attacked their residence in Shantipara, Agartala. Shockingly, despite being the victims of the attack, it was the family of the Youth Congress leader who were taken into custody, drawing sharp criticism from opposition parties and civil society.

According to BJP leaders, Shahjahan Islam had made derogatory remarks on social media targeting Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha. In response, the BJP organized a protest rally from the state party headquarters in Agartala, today afternoon condemning his statements and demanding strict action.

Additionally, Shahjahan Islam has been accused of making offensive remarks about Billal Mia, the BJP Minority Morcha state president. Following this, two separate FIRs were filed against him today at West Agartala Police Station, one by Billal Mia and another by the BJP Yuva Morcha. Several senior BJP leaders, including the party’s state asst-secretary and women leaders, were present during the filing of the complaints.

However, prominent human rights advocate and senior lawyer Purushottam Roy Barman criticized the criminalization of political dissent, stating, “Criticizing the government is not a criminal offense in a democracy.”

The CPI(M) and the Congress have jointly condemned the police action, asserting, “The state is in complete disarray. There is no democracy, no rule of law. Victims of violence are being arrested instead of receiving justice.”

Meanwhile, members of the Indian Dental Association, during a press conference, also condemned Shahjahan Islam's remarks and demanded an unconditional public apology from him for his “undignified comments” about the Chief Minister.

In another development that has further stirred communal sentiments, the house in Rajnagar, Udaipur, where a sacrificial ritual was forcefully stopped by some Hindu activists on Eid — saw a symbolic restoration today. On the directive of Chief Minister Manik Saha, BJP Minority Morcha president Billal Mia and Tripura’s Muslim Chief Mufti Taiyabur Rahman led a Qurbani (sacrificial) ritual at the same house, marking a return of religious rights to the affected family.

Tensions have been running high in parts of the small hill areas of Tripura over the past three days due to objections raised by some Hindu groups regarding cattle sacrifice during Eid. These incidents have led to growing unrest and religious polarization in an otherwise historically harmonious state. As communal and political tempers continue to flare, observers fear that unless addressed with sensitivity and justice, these developments could erode the foundations of harmony in the state.

Meanwhile,

the BJP Sadar District Committee submitted a deputation to the Superintendent of Police, West Tripura District, demanding the immediate arrest of Youth Congress leader Shahjahan Islam. Asim Bhattacharjee, President of the Sadar District Committee, was present during the protest.

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