Will Tripura Govt Reopen the 1996 Massacre Case?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tripura government is seeking to reopen a significant historical massacre case.
- CM Manik Saha emphasizes the pursuit of justice for the victims.
- Accusations against the CPI (M) for creating a reign of terror in the state.
- Political accountability is a key theme in the Chief Minister's statements.
- The government aims to foster peace and development in Tripura.
Agartala, Dec 12 (NationPress) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha announced on Friday that the state government intends to petition the High Court to reopen the Kalyanpur Bazar Colony massacre case, emphasizing that this initiative seeks to deliver justice to the victims and hold the offenders accountable.
The Chief Minister, while commemorating the victims of the Kalyanpur Bazar Colony massacre in the Khowai district, recounted that on the night of December 12, 1996, the tragic event unfolded. The elderly who survived still remember the horror.
During this tragic incident, 26 innocent individuals—including children, elderly, women, and men—lost their lives at the hands of militants.
He remarked, “I laid floral tributes to those who sacrificed their lives, seeking their blessings to empower my quest for justice. Everyone knows who was responsible. I ponder what term should be used for the Communists.”
Saha accused that the term Communist equates to a murderer, rapist, terrorist, and oppressor; these are synonymous with Communism.
“I find it disturbing that the CPI (M) holds 10 MLAs in the Assembly. I am astonished by their election. They ignore the public, focusing solely on their cadres. The CPI (M) and its affiliate, Ganamukti Parishad, have infiltrated local parties, creating unrest, with their control center located in Lal Bhavan at Melarmath in Agartala,” the Chief Minister stated.
He revealed that a list is in the works, which includes inputs from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP President J.P. Nadda, ensuring that no one escapes accountability.
According to Saha, if peace is the goal, the current government is committed to fostering tranquility in the state.
Claiming that approximately 69 individuals were murdered during the CPI (M) regime in the South Tripura district, the CM asserted that the All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) was responsible for these atrocities over the years.
He stated that since Narendra Modi took office as Prime Minister, around 12 accords have been established to integrate terrorists into the mainstream and restore peace in the Northeast.
The Chief Minister warned that those responsible for killings, sexual violence, and chaos will face justice, mentioning that some of those offenders, disguised, still work among the people, but “God observes all.” He said, “Our government will endeavor to punish them. The Communists have established a reign of terror in the state. The Congress, which once opposed the Communists, has now allied with them for elections. The BJP continues to secure victories,” Saha added.
He further mentioned that the BJP government has been actively engaged in initiatives for the development of both the jati (non-tribal) and janajati (tribal) communities throughout Tripura.
“We will not tolerate violence or politics driven by weapons. We aim to construct a new Tripura. The Communists have never honored those slain by militants. I will appeal to the High Court to reconsider these cases to ensure justice and penalize the offenders,” he concluded.
Accompanying the Chief Minister were Government Chief Whip Kalyan Roy, MLA Pinaki Das Chowdhury, among others.