By Tripura24 News Desk | Agartala Thursday, January 22, 2026
AGARTALA: Leader of the Opposition (LoP) and CPI(M) State Secretary Jitendra Chaudhury today launched a scathing attack on the state government over the recent communal violence in Shimultala, Fatikroy. Addressing a high-profile press conference in the capital, Chaudhury termed the incident a “well-planned conspiracy” and raised serious concerns regarding the democratic environment ahead of the upcoming TTAADC (Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council) elections.
Demand for SIT and Accountability
Following his recent visit to the violence-hit pockets of Unakoti district, Chaudhury met with Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha to submit a memorandum of demands. Speaking to reporters, the LoP demanded the immediate formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a senior police officer to ensure a fair and impartial probe.
“The Shimultala violence was not a spontaneous clash; it was a deliberately orchestrated attack designed to disrupt communal harmony. The administrative paralysis was evident as houses, shops, and livelihoods were gutted while the police remained mere spectators in several instances,” Chaudhury alleged.
Key Demands Raised by the LoP:
- Immediate Release of Innocents: Chaudhury claimed that the police are arresting “innocent youths” to show progress while the actual masterminds remain free.
- Full Compensation: He demanded that the state government provide full financial restoration for families who lost tractors, trucks, and shops—their only sources of income.
- Permanent Security: The LoP called for a temporary police camp in the heart of Shimultala to restore a sense of security among the displaced minority families.
Attack on CM’s “Silence”
Jitendra Chaudhury criticized Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha for his failure to visit the affected victims despite being in the neighboring area during the unrest. “While the homes of the poor were burning in Shimultala, the Chief Minister was busy attending festive programs nearby. This shows a complete lack of empathy and constitutional responsibility,” he added.
TTAADC Elections: A Battle for Democracy
Shifting focus to the TTAADC elections, the LoP warned that the ruling BJP is attempting to “suffocate” the democratic process in the hills just as they allegedly did during the Panchayat polls.
- Financial Deprivation: He accused the state government of intentionally withholding funds from the ADC to project the council as a “failure.”
- Warning Against Intimidation: Chaudhury stated that the opposition would not allow a “ballot-snatching” culture in the hills. He urged the State Election Commission to ensure that central forces are deployed well in advance of the TTAADC polls to prevent ruling party workers from intimidating voters.
The Fatikroy Context
The violence in Fatikroy, which erupted on January 10, was reportedly triggered by a dispute over Puja donations (Chanda). The unrest led to the torching of multiple houses, vehicles, and a mosque in the Saidurpara–Shimultala area, prompting the administration to impose Section 163 (formerly Section 144) and a 48-hour internet suspension earlier this month.
The opposition leader concluded the conference by vowing to launch a statewide agitation if the government fails to bring the “real perpetrators” of the Shimultala violence to justice and ensure a peaceful environment for the ADC elections.
