Agartala, Jan 11: Communal tension flared in Kumarghat of Unakoti district on Saturday after clashes broke out between two communities over a dispute linked to the collection of subscriptions for a local fair.
The violence left at least five to six people injured and resulted in arson that gutted several houses, police sources said.
In response, the Tripura government imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, deployed a heavy contingent of security forces, and suspended mobile internet services across the subdivision for 48 hours as a precautionary measure.
Police sources said at least eight people have been detained in connection with the incident, while several others were taken into custody. The situation remains under control as of Sunday morning.
According to Tripura Police, the clashes were triggered on Saturday when a group of youths stopped a timber-laden vehicle at Saidarpar under Fatikroy police station limits and demanded a subscription for a community fair.
The confrontation escalated into a row between two groups and soon took a communal turn.
As tensions mounted, incidents of arson, vandalism and damage to property were reported, including the burning of a timber shop and vandalism of a place of worship.
Police said retaliation ensued, further escalating the situation before security forces intervened.
Central forces conducted flag marches in sensitive areas to restore confidence among residents.
Authorities have placed the area under close surveillance and appealed to the public to maintain peace and refrain from spreading rumours.
All political parties in Tripura have condemned the violence and urged calm, while senior state officials reiterated that strict action will be taken against those found responsible for the disturbances.
