Kalyanpur,Tripura | July 1:
Tensions ran high in Kalyanpur on Monday following a confrontation between TIPRA Motha and BJP supporters over the construction of an Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) building at Maharanipur in the Teliamura subdivision. The situation escalated into a public protest and road blockade by TIPRA Motha supporters, affecting normal life for several hours in the Balaram Kobra Para and New Market areas.
The blockade was eventually lifted after administrative intervention, but the incident has stirred political tensions and drawn attention to underlying community sensitivities surrounding tribal welfare and education infrastructure.
What Sparked the Tension:
The conflict reportedly began on Monday morning when contractor Bimal Debbarma, who is overseeing the construction of the Eklavya School building, alleged that he and his workers were physically attacked by BJP supporters. According to Debbarma, the attackers objected to the ongoing construction work, though the exact reason for the confrontation remains disputed.
On the other hand, local BJP leader Pranjit Debbarma presented a counter-narrative, claiming that TIPRA Motha-affiliated contractor workers were the aggressors and assaulted BJP supporters without provocation. With both sides lodging First Information Reports (FIRs) against each other at the Kalyanpur Police Station, the conflict quickly gained political overtones.
The FIRs have been filed under Sections 126/117/3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the new criminal code that replaced the IPC.
In protest against the alleged assault and perceived political interference, TIPRA Motha supporters launched a road blockade at Balaram Kobra Para and the New Market area, disrupting vehicular movement and causing hardship to commuters, shopkeepers, and schoolchildren for several hours.
As the blockade intensified, local residents expressed concern over the deteriorating law-and-order situation. Emergency services, including ambulances and school buses, were delayed due to the traffic standstill.
Realizing the potential for further unrest, a team of senior district officials led by Apurba Chakraborty (SDM, Teliamura), Panna Lal Sen (SDPO), and Officer-in-Charge of Kalyanpur Police Station Tapash Malakar, reached the site of the protest.
After a detailed discussion with TIPRA Motha leaders and community members, the officials assured that the matter would be thoroughly investigated and all grievances would be addressed in accordance with the law. Following this assurance, TIPRA Motha supporters withdrew the blockade in the afternoon, restoring normalcy to the area.
This incident has again exposed the fragile relationship between TIPRA Motha and BJP, especially in tribal-dominated areas of Tripura. While the Eklavya Model Residential School scheme is part of a national initiative aimed at promoting education among tribal communities, the local controversy has complicated its execution.
Both political groups have accused each other of provocation and using the issue for political mileage. TIPRA Motha leaders are alleging attempts to derail tribal welfare schemes, while BJP representatives maintain they are being unfairly targeted by politically motivated contractors.
The situation remains sensitive, and authorities are now under pressure to ensure neutral, fair inquiry into the incident. Any perception of bias could further deepen political divides and hamper much-needed development projects in the region.
Community Response:
Local community leaders and civil society groups have urged both parties to de-escalate tensions and prioritize public welfare. “The Eklavya school is meant to benefit future generations. Turning it into a political battleground is unacceptable,” said a local resident who witnessed the morning scuffle.
The Eklavya Model Residential School scheme, launched by the Government of India, aims to provide quality education to Scheduled Tribe students in remote areas. Each school is fully residential and has significant financial and infrastructural backing. In Tripura, the project is viewed as a game-changer for tribal education, especially in underdeveloped belts like Kalyanpur.
As of now, police are continuing their investigation into the allegations from both sides, and more clarity is expected in the coming days. Authorities have appealed for calm and requested political leaders to cooperate in maintaining peace and allowing educational projects to proceed unhindered.
