Govt's apathy, inaction responsible for Shantirbazar violence: LoP
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, November 19, 2025
Leader of Opposition and CPI(M) Politburo member Jitendra Chowdhury on Wednesday accused the Tripura government of “gross incompetence” and “administrative inaction”, alleging that traders in Shantirbazar under Dhalai district had suffered huge losses during bandh-related violence.
Chowdhury visited Shantirbazar in Kamalpur subdivision, interacted with affected traders and residents, and reviewed the damage. 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.
On October 23, supporters of a bandh called by Tipra civil society groups allegedly went on a rampage in Shantirbazar, looting shops, assaulting people, setting vehicles on fire and vandalising numerous business establishments. Traders from both tribal and non-tribal communities were severely affected.
Speaking to reporters, Chowdhury alleged that Tipra Motha workers had “unleashed mayhem” in the market “in the name of the bandh”, and claimed that BJP workers later carried out retaliatory attacks.
“Under the cover of the bandh, BJP and Tipra Motha tried to create divisions between tribal and non-tribal communities. The incident at Shantirbazar is a consequence of this design,” he alleged.
Chowdhury claimed the administration failed to intervene at the initial stage of the unrest. “From the very beginning, no effective steps were taken against those violating the law. In effect, the administration appeared to be siding with the picketers. Due to the government’s apathy and administrative inaction, traders have been badly hit,” he said.
He said although the state government has provided some financial aid to the affected people, the assistance is inadequate. “The compensation given so far is not enough to restore normal business activity. We are urging the state government to extend fresh financial relief to all the victims,” he added.
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