Northeast Desk, 1st September: The Tripura State Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind has issued a strong call for swift action against those responsible for the desecration of a Kali idol and the subsequent arson that destroyed several houses in West Tripura district. On Saturday, the organization submitted a memorandum to West Tripura Superintendent of Police, Kiran Kumar, demanding strict punishment for the culprits involved in the August 26 incident.
Mufti Taybur Rahman, President of Tripura Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind, expressed deep disappointment over the fact that the suspects, who were arrested following the violence, were granted bail. The incident saw eight houses and 13 vehicles torched in retaliation for the defacing of the idol. “We have demanded justice for those whose homes were destroyed and an explanation as to how these individuals managed to secure bail,” Rahman stated. Despite the police registering a suo motu FIR and arresting five individuals, local protests led to their release, sparking outrage.
The incident has garnered widespread criticism, including from Tipra Motha leader Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, who has also called for the arrest of all those involved in both the desecration and the arson. Debbarma highlighted Tripura’s history of communal violence, often exacerbated by political interests, and stressed the need for accountability. “Tripura has seen too many instances of communal strife driven by political motives,” Debbarma remarked, urging that those responsible face the full extent of the law.
The situation remains tense in the region, with calls for justice echoing from various community and political leaders. The police have yet to provide further updates on the ongoing investigation.