Football Matches Turn Violent in Tripura: 12–14 Injured in Kamalasagar Clash, Security Personnel and Woman Hurt in Khumulung
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, August 21, 2026
Football, which is widely regarded as one of Tripura’s most popular sporting activities, witnessed two separate incidents of violence in recent days, with matches in Kamalasagar and Khumulung turning tense amid clashes, stone-pelting and lathi charges. At least 12 to 14 people were injured in the Kamalasagar incident, while a CRPF jawan and a woman spectator were among those reportedly injured during a separate Thansa Cup final in Khumulung.
In the Kamalasagar incident, a football tournament at a school ground in the Miyapara area of Sepahijala district reportedly turned violent on Thursday after an argument between players from Miyapara and Matinagar escalated into a physical clash. The dispute, which initially began during the match, reportedly intensified as supporters and spectators from both sides became involved.
The situation soon became volatile, creating panic among spectators and local residents. Personnel from Madhupur Police Station reportedly reached the spot and took measures to bring the situation under control. Additional police presence was also maintained in the area to prevent any further escalation.
Preliminary reports suggest that around 12 to 14 people sustained injuries in the confrontation. At least seven injured persons were reportedly from the Matinagar area, while others were from Miyapara. Three injured persons are Shakiful Mitra, 23, Akash Mitra, 21, and Masud Mitra, 18, were reportedly in serious condition and were referred from Madhupur Hospital to Hapania Hospital in Agartala for further treatment.
The incident has raised concern among local residents as a sporting event intended to promote camaraderie among young people instead resulted in violence between supporters of two localities. Police are reportedly looking into the circumstances that led to the confrontation and the involvement of those responsible.
A separate incident was reported from Khumulung on Wednesday during the final of the Thansa Cup football tournament, where tension erupted during the match between Ring Bari FC and Jirania Boys.
Anticipating possible trouble during the high-profile final, CRPF, TSR and police personnel had reportedly been deployed at the venue as a precautionary measure. The match began at around 4 pm, but the situation became tense when a group of allegedly unruly youths reportedly hurled bricks and stones and attempted to enter the playing field.
The unauthorised entry of spectators into the ground led to a confrontation with security personnel. According to local sources, a section of the youths allegedly threw stones at security personnel, following which the security forces resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the crowd and restore order.
A CRPF jawan and a woman spectator were among those reportedly injured, while some other spectators also sustained minor injuries. The injured were immediately taken to Khumulung Hospital for medical treatment.
A police officer reportedly said that overcrowding was one of the major factors behind the incident, with the number of spectators exceeding the designated seating capacity at the venue. The resulting difficulty in managing the large crowd allegedly contributed to the situation getting out of control.
The Khumulung incident briefly triggered tension in the area, although security personnel subsequently brought the situation under control. Police said the situation remained peaceful and under control after the incident.
According to the latest information, no case had been registered at Radhapur Police Station in connection with the Khumulung incident. Police, however, maintained that the situation was being monitored.
The two incidents have renewed concerns over crowd management and security arrangements at football tournaments in Tripura.
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