“Muslim Community Lives in Fear; Targeted Violence Must End,” Say Activists in Open Letter to Tripura Government (The Observer Post)

Kadamtala Violence. Photo: neherald

By Mariyam Usmani

After the violence stirred up in Kadamtala on 6 October 2024, the communal tension and atmosphere of fear have disrupted the peace, law and order in North Tripura. Seeking help from the government, 73 activists have written an open letter to Tripura CM to intervene in the case, end the internet shutdown and restore peace. The letter has been signed by people from civil rights NGOs, civil society, academia and administration, to demand ‘action against targeted violence in Kadamtala’ where the mobs have been threatening the Muslim residents and local businessmen through constant targeted communal attacks.  

Addressing the CM on behalf of “all the concerned Indian citizens”, the activists said that the mishap has left the Muslim community in “‘fear” and their work, life and institutions are at risk. 

“We urge your immediate and decisive intervention to ensure the safety and security of all residents and to restore peace in the region. We demand that the state government take urgent actions for ending this targeted violence, ensuring rehabilitation and compensation for the survivors and restoring the internet in the affected areas,” the letter said.  

The letter has come as a response against the violence that erupted in Kadamtala during Durga-puja when some members of a ‘pandal-committee’ forced a Muslim shopkeeper to donate high amounts for festive celebrations and caused violence when he refused. A Muslim man was murdered and many injured during the hate eruption, and the next 3 days passed between violence, and communal crimes against the Muslim community of the area. 

Section 163 Unable To Control The Situation 

The letter said that the imposed Section 163 of BNSS has “failed” to control the situation as the targeted violence did not stop even after the deployment of heavy police force.

This story was originally published in theobserverpost.com. Read the full story here.

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