Agartala, Jan 12 (NationPress) As the situation shows signs of improvement, the district authorities have reinstated internet and mobile data services in the Kumarghat subdivision of Unakoti district, Tripura. The prohibitory order established under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) has also been eased, now being limited to only specific vulnerable zones, officials reported.

A senior police representative indicated that a total of 11 individuals from both factions have been apprehended in relation to the disturbances that erupted on January 10 over the collection of fees for a local fair. Although tensions persist, the atmosphere in the diverse Kumarghat subdivision has remained largely peaceful.

Unakoti District Magistrate Tamal Majumder confirmed that the internet and mobile data services, which were halted on Saturday (January 10) following the unrest, were restored on Monday. The prohibitive measures instituted under Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023, aimed at curbing potential escalation and ensuring law and order across the entire Kumarghat subdivision, have now been confined to the areas surrounding the Fatikroy police station, he stated. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Manik Saha, who also oversees the Home portfolio, declared at a government event that those who choose to act unlawfully will face consequences.

A group from the Communist Party of India (CPI) visited the site of the incident on Monday to evaluate the conditions. However, when they attempted to engage with the affected minority families and conduct an on-site review, they were reportedly obstructed by the police, leading to allegations of misconduct.

The police reported that the conflict began when a group of young individuals blocked a timber-laden vehicle in Saidarpar, within the Fatikroy police station jurisdiction, demanding contributions for a community event.

Tensions escalated after a minority family in the Shimultala area allegedly declined to contribute, which led to an unruly mob gathering, igniting fires in several homes, vehicles, and other properties, including a timber store, as well as vandalizing a place of worship.

As news of the incident spread throughout the mixed-population area, the situation quickly deteriorated. In response to the incidents of arson, vandalism, and property destruction, including damage to a place of worship, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Kumarghat enacted Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023, to mitigate further escalation and maintain public order.

Acting Superintendent of Police Avinash Rai, along with District Magistrate Tamal Majumder and other senior officials, swiftly arrived in the affected regions with additional forces to assess security arrangements. A police official noted that a thorough evaluation of the damage is currently underway, conducted by district administration representatives.

A significant number of Assam Rifles, Tripura State Rifles (TSR), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and local police personnel have been deployed in the impacted areas. “The security teams, led by senior officials, are actively patrolling and closely observing the situation. There have been no new incidents since Saturday night,” stated Rupam Chakma, Additional Superintendent of Police in Unakoti district.

He warned that strict measures would be implemented against anyone disseminating rumors or sharing false images and videos. The situation is under vigilant surveillance, and authorities have urged the public to uphold peace and avoid spreading misinformation.