Agartala: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday asserted that those involved in the planned killings of civilians during the state’s insurgency period would not escape accountability, emphasizing that his government remained committed to ensuring justice for the victims’ families.
Addressing a programme at Kalyanpur to commemorate the victims of the Bazar Colony massacre, Saha recalled the attack in which 26 civilians were killed by the outlawed All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF).
The militant outfit was formally disbanded following a memorandum of settlement signed with the Centre and the state government in 2024.
“While paying tributes to those who lost their lives in this brutal act of terror, I sought their blessings so that I may have the strength to bring the perpetrators to justice. I cannot guarantee that justice will be immediate, but I will exert every possible effort to ensure it,” he said.
The Chief Minister also commented on former militants who continue to be active in public life. “For killers, there is no impunity. It is true that accords were signed and many returned to the mainstream, but those whose hands are stained with blood will not receive immunity,” he said.
Without naming any political outfit, Saha criticised groups that, he said, engage in displays of muscle power while being influenced by political forces.
He alleged that the Gana Mukti Parishad, the tribal wing of the CPI(M), had merged with a regional party and that the Left’s influence was now steering its activities. His remarks were seen as an oblique reference to the Tipra Motha Party led by Pradyot Kishore Debbarman.
Cautioning against attempts to destabilise the state, the Chief Minister said, “We cannot afford any disturbance to Tripura’s hard-earned peace. The days of brandishing guns, lathis and weapons are over.” Saha added that details of the prevailing situation had been communicated to the Centre.
“We have prepared a list that has been shared with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP national president J P Nadda. Things will not be easy for those trying to create unrest,” he said.
Several BJP leaders from Khowai district, including local MLA Pinaki Das Chowdhury, attended the programme. Families of the victims were felicitated during the event.
“Never during the CPI(M) rule were the martyrs of this incident recognised. Only after the BJP came to power did efforts begin to appropriately honour the innocent lives lost,” Saha added.
