High Court takes suo-moto cognizance of violence in Tripura

The Tripura High Court has ordered the government to submit an affidavit on measures taken to curb violence which erupted in parts of Tripura after reports of vandalism and community clashes in Panisagar three days ago. Based on media reports, the court took suo motu cognizance of the violence in North Tripura district on October 26 as well as recent incidents which allegedly occurred at Unakoti and Sepahijala districts.

The court commended the government's efforts to restore peace in the region after clashes related to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad's march protesting atrocities against Hindus during Durga Pooja festivities in Bangladesh. However peace committees would have to be arranged all the way to panchayat level, the court recommended. Political parties should participate unitedly in these efforts.

The allegations include the burning down of three shops and damaging three houses belonging to people from the Muslim community. There were also allegations regarding damage to a local mosque, property theft and outraging the modesty of women. In a counter-complaint, it was alleged that threats and abuses were directed against VHP's protest rally and that the peaceful march was attacked. Investigation is in progress in both cases, Advocate General Siddhartha Shankar Dey informed the court.

The government affidavit submitted to the HC said peace meetings were organised at Dharmanagar and Panisagar of North Tripura, Amtali of West Tripura, as well as Kulubari and Laxman Dhepa of Sepahijala district to maintain peace and stop the spread of fake news. There were several national and international elements involved in stirring up communal disharmony said the affidavit.

Five cases have been registered in different parts of Tripura and two persons were detained in these cases and notices issued against two others. Chief Justice Indrajit Mahanty and Justice Subhashish Talapatra of the Tripura HC asked the government to specifically submit details of the investigation, including names of the arrested and also approved of Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb's announcement of compensation to the victims. The government should remain vigilant to fake news being spread on social media the court warned.