Nationwide Strike Sees Limited Impact in Tripura, Over 300 Arrested

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, February 12, 2026

The nationwide strike called by trade unions evoked limited response across Tripura on Thursday, with normal life largely unaffected despite protests and arrests in several parts of the state.

Traffic movement on major routes was reported to be lower than usual, while shops and business establishments remained mostly open, though markets witnessed thinner crowds compared to regular days. Left-affiliated trade unions, however, claimed the strike was successful and received moral support from the public.

CITU General Secretary Sankar Prasad Datta said protests were organised at 41 locations across the state, with CPIM and CITU supporters taking out rallies and staging blockades at three railway points — Jirania, Nalakata and Manu. Railway services were briefly disrupted but later restored following police intervention.

Datta claimed that more than 300 people, including MLAs and former legislators, were detained during the protests. In North Tripura’s Kadamtala, 97 picketers were arrested, including MLA Islamuddin and former MLA Amitabha Datta. In Khowai district, 245 protesters, including MLA Nirmal Biswas, were detained, while 45 others were arrested in Kathalia under Sepahijala district.

Trade union leaders said the strike was called to oppose the new labour codes and the proposed electricity bill. They also alleged that some markets initially remained closed but reopened later.

Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha dismissed the strike’s impact, describing the “politics of strike” as outdated and asserting that normal life remained unaffected. He said strikes harm daily wage earners and are not in public interest.

Former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar and Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury joined rallies in Agartala, appealing for public support for the shutdown.

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