The night of May 20, 2000, marked a horrific chapter in the ethnic strife of Tripura, with the Bagber Massacre taking place at a relief camp near Kalyanpur. The attack by insurgents from the outlawed All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) resulted in the brutal killing of at least 25 people, mostly women and children, and left many others injured. The incident, shrouded in darkness and rain, turned the camp into a scene of devastation and tragedy.
The Bagber Massacre, while largely forgotten in the annals of history, remains a poignant reminder of the deep-rooted ethnic conflict that has plagued Tripura for decades. The attack highlighted the failure of the state to protect its vulnerable citizens during a tumultuous period in the state’s history.
Renowned journalist Manas Pal, who extensively covered Tripura’s insurgency, described the Bagber Massacre as a turning point in the state’s violent history. He recalled the night of the attack, where the militants surrounded the camp and unleashed terror upon its inhabitants, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
The Left Front government, led by Chief Minister Manik Sarkar at the time, faced a grave challenge in addressing the escalating insurgency in the state. The appointment of BL Vohra as Director General of Police marked a shift towards proactive counter-insurgency operations in Tripura.
The Bagber Massacre prompted the government to take decisive action against the insurgents, giving the police and security forces a free hand to combat the violence. The incident underscored the need to break the stranglehold of the insurgents and rebuild trust within the traumatized communities.
The ATTF, originally founded as All Tripura Tribal Force in 1990, gradually transformed into a formidable terrorist group in Tripura by recruiting tribal youth and enhancing its firepower. The group’s targeted killing of Bengalis during the Bagber Massacre further exacerbated the ethnic tensions in the state.
The Bagber Massacre stands as a somber reminder of the challenges faced by Tripura in addressing ethnic strife and violence. Remembering this forgotten chapter of history is crucial in promoting harmony and reconciliation in the region.
