Tripura, April 12 (Saturday): A massive protest rally was organized this afternoon in Kailashahar demanding the withdrawal of the Waqf Amendment Bill. The rally, organized by the Joint Movement Committee, turned violent as it reached the Kubzhar area, leading to a major law and order situation. During the rally, a section of unruly youths clashed with the police. The protesters reportedly pelted stones, bricks, and glass bottles at the police personnel, resulting in serious injuries to several officers, including SDPO Jayanta Karmakar and Inspector Jatindra Das.
As tensions escalated, the police had to resort to mild lathi-charge to disperse the mob. The injured police personnel were rushed to the local hospital for treatment. The entire Kailashahar sub-division has been gripped by panic following the incident.
Top officials including Kailashahar SDPO Jayanta Karmakar, Kailashahar OC Sukanta Sen Choudhury, Irani OC Arundaya Das, DSP Utpalendu Debnath, TSR forces, and central security forces were present at the site.
Unakoti District Superintendent of Police Sudhammabika R and Northern DIG Rati Ranjan Debnath also reached the spot to assess the situation. An altercation reportedly broke out between SP Sudhammabika R and protest leader Md. Badruzzaman, during which the SP was seen warning the leader in a stern tone. In response, Badruzzaman challenged her, saying, “Don’t threaten me. Speak politely and respectfully.” Following this, the SP softened her tone.
Quote – DIG Rati Ranjan Debnath: “The situation is now under control.” On the other hand, protest leader Md. Badruzzaman blamed the police for the unrest and stated: “Many people were injured in the police lathi-charge. The police are responsible for escalating the tension.”
