Agartala: More than 1,000 BJP leaders and supporters have reportedly fled their homes in parts of Khowai and West Tripura following violence after the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (ADC) election results, with many taking shelter in safer locations since Friday evening.The unrest has been linked to alleged attacks by TIPRA Motha activists celebrating the party’s victory of 24 out of 28 ADC seats. Around 300 tribals from the Jirania and Mandai areas of eastern Agartala took refuge at Bhagat Singh Youth Hostel in the city. Additionally, 200 more have taken shelter in BJP’s Khowai office.Residents alleged that Motha supporters attacked homes, looted belongings and livestock, destroyed rubber plantations, and set fire to shops and houses.In Asharambari in Khowai, several people were allegedly assaulted and pressured to stop supporting BJP. Social welfare minister Tinku Roy, tourism minister Sushanta Chowdhury, and BJP state president Rajib Bhattacharjee visited affected areas in Khowai and Jirania on Saturday and met families who reported damage and threats.The BJP leaders also met local police and urged them to ensure residents’ safety and act against those responsible. Several BJP candidates who lost the election, including general secretary Bipin Debbarma and secretary Devid Debbarma, along with former council executive member Bhumika Nanda Reang and Sanjib Reang, were reported to be reluctant to return to their constituencies due to continuing threats.Devid Debbarma, BJP candidate from Ramchandraghat in Khowai and a state party secretary, alleged his home and property were attacked by TIPRA Motha supporters “under the direction of MLA Ranjit Debbarma.” He said his house was damaged, his rubber orchard destroyed, and livestock belonging to an associate taken.He described the situation at home, saying they stayed awake at night fearing renewed attacks and avoided stepping out even for essential needs. He also accused police of inaction, alleging law enforcement did not intervene even when BJP workers were attacked in their presence.Complaints were reportedly filed over multiple incidents allegedly involving TIPRA Motha supporters since April 11, the day before polling, but residents said no action followed, adding to fear and uncertainty.Reports of post-election violence have emerged from multiple locations, including Khowai, Bishramganj, Teliamura, Jirania, Sabroom and nearby areas, with allegations of assaults, arson and vandalism targeting BJP offices and supporters. In South Tripura, it was alleged that Motha supporters shut down two local markets in Manubankul, where a BJP candidate won.TIPRA Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarman said, “TIPRA Motha doesn’t endorse any violence and whoever is indulging in such acts are not warriors for the development of tribals.”
