Normal life in Kailashahar, the district headquarters of Tripura’s Unakoti, was brought to a standstill on September 11 as the Congress party called for a 12-hour bandh to push for an 11-point charter of demands. The protest, which commenced at 6 am, resulted in blocked roads, closed markets, and a lack of public transport on the streets.
Among the demands put forth by the Congress party were the revival of the dormant Kailashahar airport and the extension of the railway network to the town. As a result, educational institutions, banks, and government offices were mostly shut down, with minimal staff in attendance.
Congress workers took to the streets, staging demonstrations at various locations and obstructing traffic by setting tires on fire. However, authorities confirmed that there were no reports of violence during the bandh. Sudhambika R, the Superintendent of Police in Unakoti, stated, “The situation in Kailashahar is currently peaceful and under control. We have urged the political party to conduct the bandh peacefully, and the police will take strict action against any attempts to incite violence.”
Birajit Sinha, the leader of the Congress Legislature Party, hailed the bandh as a success, attributing it to the overwhelming public support. Sinha emphasized the importance of reviving the Kailashahar airport, not only as a developmental necessity but also as a strategic requirement.
“The revival of the Kailashahar airport is crucial due to the evolving security challenges in the border town. Reports indicate that Bangladesh has established an airbase in Samserganj, just across the border. Therefore, we demand the reactivation of our dormant airport for strategic purposes,” Sinha explained.
He further noted that approximately 250 Congress workers, including district president Badruzzaman, were detained by police for their involvement in enforcing the bandh. Despite the disruptions caused by the protest, the Congress party remained steadfast in its pursuit of the demands outlined in the charter.
