𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬: 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝟏𝟔𝟑, 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧

At least eight people were arrested on January 10, after tensions over the collection of puja subscriptions escalated into violence in the Saydarpara–Shimultala area under Fatikroy police station in Tripura’s Unakoti district, prompting the administration to impose Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and suspend mobile internet services.
The unrest reportedly broke out ahead of the traditional Bhairab Mela, scheduled to be held from January 24 to 26. According to local sources, the confrontation began near the Bhairab Thali along the Kanchanbari Main Road when members of the mela committee allegedly demanded puja donations from a timber-laden vehicle owner, identified as Mosabbir Ali.
What began as a heated argument soon escalated into a scuffle, which spiralled into widespread violence. Police sources said a mob blocked road, vandalised vehicles, and set fire to several shops. A timber shop and stacks of hay kept in front of houses were gutted, while multiple vehicles were damaged or torched. Several civilians sustained injuries, triggering panic in the area.
As the situation deteriorated, a large contingent of security forces, including personnel from the Tripura State Rifles (TSR) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), was deployed. Police conducted a mild lathi-charge to disperse the crowd, while drone surveillance was initiated to monitor the situation and prevent further flare-ups.
Unakoti District Magistrate Dr. Tamal Majumdar and In-Charge Superintendent of Police Avinash Rai rushed to the spot to take stock of the situation. The district administration-imposed Section 163 BNSS to maintain law and order and suspended mobile internet services across Unakoti district for 48 hours as a precautionary measure.