Unakoti: The district administration in Tripura’s Unakoti district has imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, in the Kumarghat subdivision following violence that led to arson, vandalism and attacks on Muslim-owned properties, including a mosque.
Officials said the restrictions were enforced to prevent further escalation and to restore law and order, reports said.
The violence broke out on January 10 in the Saydarpara Shimultala area under the Fatikroy police station limits. Police and local sources told The Observer Post that tensions arose during the collection of puja subscriptions ahead of the Bhairab Mela, scheduled from January 24 to 26. The situation allegedly escalated after a Muslim man, identified as Mosabbir Ali, refused to pay the amount demanded by members of a mela committee.
The dispute soon turned violent, with a mob allegedly blocking roads, vandalising vehicles, setting fire to shops and haystacks kept outside homes, and damaging multiple properties. Several houses and shops owned by Muslims were reportedly torched, and a mosque was also set on fire. Several others sustained injuries, triggering panic in the area.
Unakoti Superintendent of Police Avinash Rai was quoted as saying that police responded promptly to control the situation. “Some youths set fire outside a few houses. Forces were immediately deployed to disperse the mob. Section 163 BNSS has been imposed, and flag marches are being conducted. The situation is now peaceful and under control,” he said, adding that eight people have been arrested so far.
District Magistrate Dr Tamal Majumdar and SP Rai visited the affected areas to review security arrangements. Additional police forces, along with personnel from the Tripura State Rifles and the Central Reserve Police Force, have been deployed, while drone surveillance has been introduced to monitor sensitive locations.
Under Section 163, gatherings of five or more persons have been prohibited, along with rallies, processions and public meetings. The carrying of sticks, rods, stones or any object that could be used as a weapon has also been banned. The order applies across the Kumarghat subdivision, except at the PWD Ground, where the annual Pous Mela is underway. Mobile internet services have been suspended across the Unakoti district for 48 hours as a precautionary measure.
In a statement, Unakoti Police said, “On January 10, 2026, at around 9.30 am, district police took immediate action to prevent further escalation. Necessary law and order measures were initiated and arrests have been made. The situation is currently under control.”
Police also cautioned against the spread of misinformation, warning that strict legal action would be taken against those circulating false or misleading content.
Local MLA and minister Sudhangshu Das described the incident as unfortunate but said the administration acted swiftly. “The police and local leadership handled the situation with vigilance. Those responsible will be held accountable. People should refrain from spreading misinformation,” he said.
Meanwhile, residents have shared videos on social media showing properties engulfed in flames. Jakir Hussain, a resident of Kumarghat, was quoted by The Observer Post as saying that Muslim properties were deliberately targeted.
“This was not just violence; it was an attack on humanity and the Constitution. A mosque was set on fire first, followed by Muslim homes, shops and vehicles,” he said.
Hussain also questioned the administration’s response, alleging police inaction despite their presence. “Are we second-class citizens because we are Muslims?” he asked, demanding strict action against those involved.
