Tripura Minister Faces Villagers' Ire In Violence-Hit Gandatwisa After Mob Attack Left Over 300 Homeless

Following violent clashes in Tripura, a ministerial team faced villagers' ire over inaction during attacks that left 300 homeless.

In the aftermath of violent clashes in Gandatwisa, Tripura, a four-member team led by Minister Tinku Roy visited the affected area on Monday. The visit was met with strong resentment from villagers whose homes were torched three days earlier, following the death of a 19-year-old man in a clash between two groups.

During the minister’s visit, aggrieved villagers ransacked the office of the Gandatwisa Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), expressing their frustration over the perceived inaction of the police and local administration during the mob attack on July 12. A video circulating on social media showed an incensed youth confronting the minister, highlighting that 11 scheduled wedding ceremonies in the area were cancelled due to the arson.

Tinku Roy, the Social Welfare Minister, assured the distraught villagers of government support, promising compensation and increased security to prevent future incidents. "The chief minister has sent us to listen to your problems. The government will release 25 per cent of the compensation in the next two days and will take steps to restore normalcy in the area," Roy stated, as quoted by news agency PTI.

The minister was accompanied by State BJP Vice Presidents Subal Bhowmik and Rebati Tripura, along with MLA Rampada Jamatia. Despite the minister’s assurances, villagers voiced their anger, alleging that the authorities were inactive during the arson. "The people, who have lost their houses and all belongings, expressed their grievances," an official confirmed, as per PTI.

Around 300 Villagers Staying In A Shelter After Homes Torched In Tripura Violence

Around 300 villagers, whose homes were torched, have been staying in a shelter since the incident. The arson, which took place approximately 110 km from the state capital Agartala, resulted in at least 40 houses being severely damaged and 30 shops looted. Four motorcycles were also burnt on the night of July 12.

Dhalai District Magistrate Saju Vaheed, who led a team to meet with affected families on Sunday, assured them of necessary security and compensation measures. Gandatwisa Sub-Divisional Magistrate Chandrajoy Reang informed PTI that additional security personnel have been deployed in the area to improve the situation. "The administration has taken all possible steps to provide compensation to around 80 families affected by the arson," Reang said.

The violence stemmed from a clash between two groups in the local market on July 7, which led to the death of Parameshwar Reang, a college student, who succumbed to his injuries on July 12 at GBP Hospital in Agartala. Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the youth’s death, according to police reports.

A meeting was also held by the district magistrate's team with local committee members to discuss reopening the market, an official mentioned, PTI reported.