Reported by Mrinal Banik
Amarpur (Tripura): A confrontation broke out at Chabimura in Tripura’s Gomati district on Saturday after a group of Tipra Motha Party supporters allegedly tried to take over the management of the tourist destination, prompting police to use baton charge and tear gas to disperse the gathering.
Officials said the incident marks a renewed attempt to remove the Tourism Department-backed managing body and assert control over the site, which remains one of Tripura’s prominent tourist attractions.
Police sources said the protesters attempted to enter the facility by force, and some infrastructure was damaged during the unrest. The tourist spot has long been operated by a self-help group, Hachuk Mathai, entrusted by the Tourism Department with routine management responsibilities.
Tensions are understood to have intensified following the recent elections to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council, where the Tipra Motha Party emerged victorious. Party supporters have since been pressing for control of the site, including access to its administrative keys.
A similar protest held on April 25 was withdrawn after intervention by local authorities. Subsequent talks convened on April 28 involving administrative officials, police personnel, elected representatives, and members of both sides ended without a settlement.
Protesters, on Saturday morning, regrouped at the location and reiterated their demands. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Anupam Chakraborty, accompanied by senior police officers, reached the spot and engaged in discussions, but the impasse continued.
Authorities said the situation escalated when a section of the crowd became aggressive, prompting police action. “A mild baton charge was carried out, and four rounds of tear gas were used to bring the situation under control,” an official said.
No major injuries were reported. Security has since been reinforced in and around the tourist site to prevent any further flare-up, officials added.