A high-level delegation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tripura on Thursday visited Santirbazar in Dhalai district to take stock of the situation following violent clashes that erupted on October 23 during a statewide bandh called by the Tripura Civil Society. The five-member team assessed the damage on the ground and interacted with affected residents before returning to prepare a report for Chief Minister Manik Saha. The delegation included SC Welfare Minister Sudhangshu Das, Tribal Welfare Minister Bikas Debbarma, MLA Swapna Pal, and BJP state general secretary Bipin Debbarma. Their visit was aimed at reviewing the aftermath of the unrest, during which several shops were set ablaze and looted, and numerous people — including a Block Development Officer and an engineer — suffered injuries. According to authorities, both officials were “brutally attacked” during the chaos.
Speaking to reporters, Minister Sudhangshu Das described the incident as deeply disturbing and unexpected. “We came here to understand firsthand what actually happened. The destruction of property and the injuries caused are shocking. There is no place for violence in our society. We always advocate peace, and those responsible must face strict action,” he said. Das noted that the violence impacted both tribal and non-tribal residents, warning against attempts to sow discord between communities. “People here — tribal and non-tribal — live together peacefully. Attempts have been made to create tension, which is condemnable. A section of politicians is trying to take advantage of the situation. I warn them not to disrupt communal harmony,” he remarked.
The minister further informed that the state government has already extended interim relief to affected families. A primary assessment of the damage has been completed, and compensation measures are underway. He added that the delegation will shortly submit a detailed report to Chief Minister Manik Saha, recommending necessary administrative and security steps to prevent future incidents. The October 23 bandh witnessed sporadic violence across pockets of Tripura, with Santirbazar emerging as the worst-affected area. While the bandh had been called to protest various governance-related issues, authorities say miscreants used the occasion to incite unrest. Police presence in the region has since been strengthened, and the administration has assured strict action against those involved in the attacks and arson.
