In the wake of the ongoing tensions in Kadamtala, North Tripura, the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) wrote an open letter, undersigned by over 70 prominent figures, to Chief Minister Shri Manik Saha for urgent intervention “to ensure the safety and security of all residents and to restore peace in the region”.
Simultaneously, APCR has taken the matter to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), urging accountability and action against the perpetrators of the mob violence that began on 6th October 2024.
On Thursday, the APCR team held a meeting with the Registrar (Law) of the NHRC to raise concerns regarding the mob violence, arson, looting, and killing of a Muslim man. Citing case number 35/23/2/2024, APCR expressed concerns about the inadequacy of the investigation conducted so far and the continued threat to the Muslim community in Kadamtala.
Alfesani was shot and killed during these clashes, although it remains unclear whether police or other forces were responsible for his death, the presser from APCR stated.
APCR highlighted the failure of the authorities to prevent the violence despite the presence of police and the imposition of curfews and internet shutdowns. The demands presented to the NHRC include a spot inquiry by the commission to investigate the incidents, An immediate notice to the Superintendent of Police (SP) and District Magistrate (DM) of Tripura, demanding an explanation for the violence despite police presence and prohibitory orders and compensation for victims.
The violence, which targeted Muslim residents, saw homes, businesses, and religious institutions attacked, leaving the community in a state of fear and distress. According to reports, the violence escalated following a confrontation over a Durga Puja donation, triggering widespread unrest in Kadamtala.
Despite the imposition of prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and the presence of police forces, the legal aid group claims that the violence continued, with mobs looting, burning mosques, and vandalizing properties, particularly targeting the Kadamtala Bazaar Masjid. Muslim residents allege that some of the attackers were brought in from outside the area.
As of October 08, violence has calmed down, but sporadic incidents of looting persist, leaving the affected community in fear.
The letter called for immediate steps to ensure the safety of the affected communities, compensation for victims, and the rebuilding of vandalized properties, including mosques. It urged the CM to launch an investigation into the negligence or complicity of local police in allowing the violence to continue despite curfews and prohibitory orders.
“We demand an impartial, detailed inquiry into the arson and vandalism of religious properties, including the Kadamtala Bazaar Masjid and the Imam’s house, the desecration of the Muliura Jame Masjid and the nearby burial ground. A comprehensive examination of all incidents of looting, vandalism, and arson in the area should also be conducted, as well as impartial investigation into the death of Mr. Alfesani, a case that must be treated as a death in police action.”
“Inquire into the negligence of the relevant Nodal Officer appointed for prevention of cases of mob violence as per the order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of Tehseen Poonawala v. Union of India,” the letter added.
