Tripura: Former chief minister Manik Sarkar on Thursday alleged that the recent violence targeting minority Muslims in Jirania sub-division of West Tripura district was a deliberate attempt to incite communal tension. Sarkar, along with senior CPI(M) leaders Pavitra Kar, Manik Dey and Radha Charan Debbarma, visited the affected area on Thursday and expressed his concern over the alleged pre-planning of the attacks.
The violence took place on August 26 when assailants attacked members of the Muslim community in Durga Nagar village after an idol of Kali was vandalised in the area. Sarkar revealed that though he received a report about the incident the same night, the local police prevented his visit the next day citing law and order concerns due to imposition of Section 144. “We were urged to cooperate with the police as the situation was tense. However, after several attempts, we were finally able to meet the victims,” Sarkar said. During the visit, residents described the attacks as well-planned, claiming that the attackers came in organised groups, were armed with weapons and chanted “Jai Shri Ram”.
According to Sarkar, the attackers deliberately targeted a few houses, looted goods and set properties on fire, sparing no one in their path. He said women were forced to run to save their children from harm during the chaos. Sarkar also criticised the police’s failure to intervene, alleging that officers advised victims to hide instead of offering them protection. “The clear aim of this incident was to fuel religious discord and divide communities. These are not just my observations but those shared with us by victims and locals,” Sarkar remarked.
