BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 21st June 2025: Efforts by the state government to beautify the mampir of one of the 51 Shakti Peeths’ took a turbulent turn this weekend as eviction tensions led to a mass blockade along the Udaipur-Amarpur highway in Banduar.
The government had recently initiated development plans in the Banduar area of Udaipur subdivision to construct a replica of the revered site. However, stretches of the proposed land had already been occupied by nearly a hundred families. These occupants had erected makeshift shelters using tin sheets and bamboo structures.
Alleging that the land was previously taken over by Bangladeshi nationals, local residents claimed they would not vacate the area unless their rights were recognized. “This land was illegally seized earlier. If we are asked to move now, justice will not be served,” said one of the residents who participated in the occupation.
Last night, government authorities began demolishing the unauthorized constructions, prompting a swift and emotional response. By this morning, the Banduar stretch of the Udaipur-Amarpur road was blocked by protestors demanding intervention.
As the situation escalated, local administrative officials and police including the Sub-Divisional Police Officer rushed to the scene to de-escalate tensions.
Several hours into the standoff, a senior leader from the ruling party intervened, requesting protestors to lift the blockade. The breakthrough came after local MLA Abhishek Debroy spoke with the demonstrators via phone, assuring them that a ten-member delegation representing the land claimants would be allowed to meet with the District Magistrate and Sub-Divisional Magistrate.
“We will ensure that their concerns are formally heard. Dialogue is the only way forward,” said Debroy.
Though the immediate blockade has been lifted, the episode underscores the fragile balance between religious development projects and community land disputes.
