BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 11th January 2026: Unakoti district’s Fatikroy witnessed tension yesterday after miscreants’ unleashed violence in the Saidarpara–Shimultala area. Locals alleged that several houses and vehicles were vandalized and set ablaze, leaving multiple people injured. To control the situation, a large contingent of police, TSR, CRPF, and Assam Rifles was deployed. Authorities resorted to mild baton charge to disperse crowds, after which normalcy gradually returned.
Section 163 of the Criminal Procedure Code was imposed immediately after the incident. By Sunday morning, the administration reported that vehicular movement and overall conditions in the area had returned to normal, though security forces remain stationed to maintain peace. Sub-divisional officials also extended financial aid to affected families, with DCM Shubhankar Sen handing over cheques of Rs 5,000 each to 11 households.
Minister and Fatikroy MLA Sudhangshu Das condemned the violence, calling it “deplorable and painful,” particularly as it took place in his constituency. He alleged that opposition parties were attempting to politicize the incident with misleading claims. Refuting reports that the clash stemmed from extortion, Das explained that the dispute began when a wood-laden vehicle collided with a local youth. Questions over the legality of the timber escalated tensions, especially after a man named Mosabbir Ali claimed ownership of the wood. A scuffle reportedly broke out, with video evidence available, according to the minister.
Das further denounced stone-pelting at a mosque as “unacceptable,” stressing that all religions are respected. He clarified that no minority homes were burned, though one shop and a roadside hut were damaged. He accused Congress and CPI(M) of spreading false information for political gain.
The minister praised police for their swift action, noting that arrests have already been made and investigations are underway. Responding to remarks by Congress MLA Birajit Sinha and social media commentary, Das launched a sharp counterattack, accusing the opposition of vote-bank politics and of attempting to obscure the real cause of the unrest. He added that while the Fatikroy incident was condemned, attacks on Hindus in other areas would also be protested.
With heavy security still in place, peace has largely returned to Shimultala. Officials emphasized that the true facts will emerge only after the investigation concludes.
