Gandatwisa, a revenue subdivision within the TTADC area of Dhalai District, Tripura, has long been celebrated for its ethnic unity and natural beauty. However, recent events have plunged the region into turmoil. The rise of divisive politics and criminalization under BJP rule has led to severe communal unrest and violence in the area.
On July 7, 2024, Parameshwar Reang, a 21-year-old college student, was attacked by miscreants during the local fair known as Ananda Mela in Gandatwisa. Ananda Mela, which typically involves the consumption of intoxicants and gambling, was allegedly organised by ruling party leaders for a commission. Parameshwar was assaulted while trying to intervene in a distressing situation involving a young person. The attack triggered communal tensions that escalated over the following days.
Parameshwar Reang succumbed to his injuries on the morning of July 12 at Agartala GB Hospital. Following his death, violent reprisals erupted from the evening of July 12 to the early hours of July 13. Miscreants targeted various villages, looting and vandalising properties. Reports indicate that 165 non-tribal families were affected: 101 families were severely impacted, with properties destroyed and businesses devastated. Despite the severity of the situation, police remained mute spectators, and affected families were forced to seek refuge in camps.
A delegation from the CPI(ML), Tripura State Committee visited the homes of the victims on August 3 of 2024.Spoke to the affected people including father and mother of the deceased Parameshwar Reang. The delegation including comrades Partha Karmakar, Charimuni Jamatia, Manik Pal, Gobinda charan Jamatia, Sajahan Miah and Anuar Hossen visited the affected areas .
The following are the observations and demands by the CPI(ML) delegation:
1. Judicial Inquiry and Accountability:
The criminalization of politics and government inaction were major contributors to the violence on July 7 and July 12-13. A proactive government response could have mitigated the impact. Governemnt must form a Judicial Inquiry Commission led by a retired High Court judge to thoroughly investigate the incidents and identify and arrest of all perpetrators, with exemplary punishment.
And to assess the damage caused to the people on both sides due to organised attacks, looting and arson by miscreants on July 7 and July 12-13 and to submit a fact-finding report to the government so that the government can provide adequate compensation to affected families.
2. Restoration of Unity and Trust:
There is an atmosphere of mistrust, fear and panic among the people during the last one month at Gandatwisa. But the inherent, traditional unity and goodwill between the tribal and non tribal people didn't end. If the government and administration come forward and follow its own role to promote equality and justice to all the affected people within the periphery of the constitution, not backing the divisive politics and criminalisation of politics then the unity, trust and communal harmony in the public life will come back very soon at Gandatwisa subdivision. Otherwise, peace & harmony can't return.
3. Principles of Justice:
Implementation of constitutional principles to ensure fair and reasonable standards of justice for affected individuals.
4. Compensation for Affected Families:
We found out that several families, including Sri Biswajit Das, Sri Rajib Pal, and Sri Keshab Das, were unlisted in the initial compensation lists despite significant losses. The government has provided limited compensation, which is insufficient given the scale of damage. We also demand for a revised compensation package of ₹50 lakh and a regular government job for the family of Parameshwar Reang. 100% compensation must be provided for the 165 affected families to cover rebuilding of homes and businesses, and financial support to resume livelihoods.
5. Improvement in Refugee Camps:
Current conditions in refugee camps are dire, with inadequate shelter, medical care, and basic necessities. We call for ensuring essential items such as blankets, mosquito nets, clean drinking water filters, and proper medical facilities.
6. Flood Crisis in Tripura:
Furthermore, Tripura is facing severe flooding due to heavy rainfall, resulting in the deaths of 12 people and the displacement of thousands. Urgent national intervention is needed to address the flood crisis and provide relief to affected areas, including Agartala, Udaipur, Kailasahar, and various districts.
The situation in Gandatwisa and across Tripura requires immediate attention and intervention. The violence and subsequent displacement have caused significant suffering, and the response from the government so far has been inadequate. It is crucial for national and state authorities to address the demands for justice, compensation, and support for affected families, and to manage the ongoing flood crisis effectively.
- Parth Karmakar from Tripura
