Agartala, Jan 10 (NationPress) Prohibitory orders were enacted and a significant number of security personnel were deployed in the Kumarghat subdivision of Tripura’s Unakoti district on Saturday following clashes between two communities over the collection of contributions for a local festival. This unrest resulted in injuries to at least five to six individuals and damage to several homes, according to officials.

In a precautionary measure, internet services have been suspended across the Kumarghat Sub-Division for 48 hours, and authorities have detained at least eight individuals linked to the conflict.

The Superintendent of Police (SP) for Unakoti district sent a letter to the District Magistrate requesting the suspension of all internet services, citing a sudden and serious law-and-order crisis in the Fatikroy police station area stemming from communal violence.

“The shutdown of all internet services is essential to control the law-and-order situation by limiting the dissemination of false propaganda and messages,” the SP stated in the letter.

According to senior officials, the trouble began when a group of young individuals halted a timber-laden vehicle at Saidarpar under Fatikroy police station limits, demanding a subscription for a community fair.

Following acts of arson, property damage, and vandalism, including to a place of worship, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Kumarghat invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, to prevent further escalation and maintain law and order.

The incidents reportedly stemmed from a dispute over the collection of contributions for a community festival. Tensions rose after a minority family in the Shimultala area allegedly declined to contribute, prompting a hostile crowd to gather, resulting in property damage, including a timber shop and a place of worship.

The situation intensified rapidly as news of the incident spread through the mixed-population locality.

Acting Superintendent of Police Avinash Rai, along with District Magistrate Tamal Majumder and other senior officials, rushed to the affected areas with additional forces to assess security measures.

Speaking to the media, Rai noted that tensions flared earlier in the day when some individuals allegedly ignited fires near several houses. “Police forces were promptly dispatched, and the crowd was dispersed. Given the circumstances, the SDM enacted Section 163, and a large contingent of security personnel has been deployed. Flag marches will persist, although the situation is currently stable,” he stated.

Regarding the extent of the damage, the police official mentioned that a thorough assessment is underway by district administration officials.

Police and paramilitary forces conducted flag marches while tension lingered in certain areas. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have urged the public to maintain peace and avoid spreading rumors.

Meanwhile, state BJP President Rajib Bhattacharjee, state Congress President Ashis Kumar Saha, and Leader of Opposition and CPI (M) state Secretary Jitendra Chaudhury have condemned the violence and called for peace and calm.