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.
“As of 8th October, although the violence has calmed down, sporadic incidents of looting and vandalism continue to emerge from the area,” it mentioned.
The letter also recalled the horrible murder of Alfesani, a local shopkeeper. It described that the Hindutva mob is still spreading hate against Muslims and they are compelled to live in “unsafe situations”.
“It remains unclear who fired the bullet, and we implore you to order a thorough and transparent investigation into his death,” it mentioned while stressing the directives of The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
Right-Wing Marked Out
The violence was allegedly carried against the “Muslim Residents” by “Right-wing Hindu Organisations” which are devastating and looting the private property of Muslims in Kadamtala.
“On 7th October, a large mob, allegedly comprised of supporters of right-wing Hindu organizations, entered Kadamtala from neighboring areas and began a spree of vandalism and looting,” the letter remarked.
The mobs have severely damaged the graveyard, Muliura Jame Mosque and vandalized several shops in main market, Kadamtala.
“The Muslim residents of Kadamtala are living in terror, while mobs—some of whom are alleged to have been brought in from outside the area—have attacked Muslim homes, businesses, mosques, and other properties,” said the activists.
Demand For Justice
The activists have demanded “accountability of police inaction” and an investigation.
Meanwhile, they also seek to scrutinize the general diaries, FIR and the list of officers and staff at the local police station to know whether they were present or absent on the days of violence: 6,7, and 8 October.
Demands to seize the CCTV footage and a deep investigation of the matter have been made which includes the examination of damaged shops around Kadamtala Bazaar, the house of Imam, Muliura Jame Mosque, and the graveyard as these have severely been damaged by the mobs and affected people require proper compensation, security and rehabilitation to overcome the pain and keep safe from hate-mongers.
Highlighting the most gruesome loss, the murder of a young Muslim man, the letter called for an impartial investigation, and action against the Nodal officer who was appointed on the spot.
The open letter elaborated on the “feelings of insecurity in the Muslim community” and acknowledged that the “violence has shaken the trust and fabric of the communities in Kadamtala.”
Request From The Human Rights Commission
Amid the calls for justice for affected innocent Muslim families and shopkeepers, the activists have appealed to the NHRC to intervene in the investigation.
These 73 people belonging to the Association For Protection Of Civil Rights (APCR) requested The SP and DM of Tripura police to scrutinize the police presence and shutdown.
Influential activists and members of civil society like Dr Zafarul-Islam Khan, Shazin Siddiqui, Harsh Mander, and Mohammad Aslam Ghazi signed the open letter.
The activists now await the response.
