The tension between ruling party allies in Tripura reached a boiling point on Friday evening when violent clashes erupted between supporters of the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT) and TIPRA Motha in Gonda Twisa (formerly Gonda Twisa) Sub-division in Dhalai district. The conflict, which began over disagreements regarding the allocation of work under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), quickly escalated into a full-blown street brawl.
Eyewitnesses reported that what started as verbal arguments between workers from both parties turned into a chaotic scene of violence, with political supporters brandishing makeshift weapons and causing extensive damage to property in the area. Shops were vandalized, vehicles were overturned, and homes were ransacked as the two factions clashed in a battle for control.
The situation took a grim turn when a local journalist, Subrata Das, arrived at the scene to cover the incident. He was viciously attacked by the mob, resulting in serious injuries that required hospitalization. The assault on the journalist drew widespread condemnation from media organizations across the state, prompting calls for swift action against those responsible.
In response to the violence, security forces including police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, and Tripura State Rifles (TSR) jawans were deployed to the area to restore order and prevent further escalation. Gonda Twisa Sub-divisional Police Officer Sougat Chakma confirmed that the clash was related to MGNREGA work allocation and assured that the situation was under control.
Efforts to defuse the tension were made by Sub-divisional Magistrate Chandra Joy Reang, who organized a peace meeting at the Revenue Guest House. However, the meeting fell apart when TIPRA Motha leaders refused to attend, signaling the deep-rooted divisions within the coalition.
The aftermath of the clashes saw both parties filing counter-complaints at Gandacherra Police Station, each blaming the other for instigating the violence. This blame game has created a sense of uncertainty and instability in the Sub-division, with both factions issuing ultimatums and threats of further protests.
Local intellectuals have criticized the absurdity of the situation, pointing out that IPFT and TIPRA Motha, as ruling party allies, should be working together for the welfare of Tripura’s tribal communities instead of engaging in violent power struggles. The incident has underscored the fragility of the alliance and raised concerns about the impact of political infighting on governance and public welfare in the region.
