Tension gripped Tripura’s Kubjhar village on Friday after protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill spiraled into violence. Villagers opposing the bill clashed with security forces during a demonstration, leading to several injuries and a heavy security clampdown. Authorities confirmed that the unrest began after a group of protestors gathered near the local mosque and marched through the main street while raising slogans. As the protest swelled, the situation quickly turned volatile.
The protestors began pelting stones at security personnel who had formed a perimeter to prevent the crowd from advancing towards government offices in the area. The attackers reportedly included both youth and elderly residents, many of whom accused the government of not consulting the community before pushing the amendment bill. The stone pelting injured several police officers, including an officer-in-charge who sustained a head injury and had to be rushed to the nearby hospital in Mohanpur.
Police resorted to baton charges and used tear gas to disperse the crowd. The operation continued for over two hours until the streets cleared. Officials reported minor injuries among civilians as well, but confirmed no loss of life. Security personnel remained on alert throughout the night to prevent further escalation. The administration deployed additional forces from the Tripura State Rifles and imposed temporary restrictions under Section 144 in parts of the village to maintain order.
According to villagers, the protest had been planned for several days as local religious leaders and community members felt sidelined by the proposed changes in the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. They feared the bill would centralize control over community land and reduce local autonomy. Tensions had already been simmering since the bill was tabled in Parliament earlier this month. The violent turn of events shocked both residents and officials, who had initially assumed the protest would remain peaceful.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha condemned the attack on police personnel and appealed for calm. He assured that the government remained open to dialogue with concerned stakeholders but would not tolerate violence against law enforcement officers. “In a democracy, protest is a right, but attacking those who ensure our safety is unacceptable,” he said in a statement released late Friday evening.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders demanded an impartial inquiry into the incident. Former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar criticized the government’s handling of the situation, alleging that the administration had failed to address people’s concerns regarding the bill. He also accused the ruling party of using force to silence dissent.
The local administration has launched a probe into the incident and arrested at least ten individuals allegedly involved in the stone pelting. Senior police officials visited Kubjhar on Saturday morning to assess the situation and reassure residents. They held meetings with community leaders, urging them to cooperate in maintaining peace and to discourage further demonstrations until official talks could be scheduled.
Educational institutions in the village remained shut on Saturday, and shops opened only partially. Many residents expressed fear over potential arrests and raids. Women and children stayed indoors while men patrolled the lanes in small groups, worried about possible backlash.
The state government has initiated back-channel discussions with religious organizations and civil society groups to cool tempers. Sources revealed that representatives from both sides might meet in Agartala next week for mediated talks under the supervision of the Minority Welfare Department.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill has sparked debate in several parts of the country, with various communities calling for greater transparency in its provisions. In Tripura, where minority groups form a significant portion of the population in some regions, the bill has reignited concerns over land rights and religious independence. The government will need to walk a tightrope to balance law and order with the democratic rights of protest.
As Kubjhar slowly returns to normal, the incident has left behind a mix of unease and determination. The village, known for its peaceful coexistence, now finds itself at the center of a growing political storm that could shape future discourse on minority rights and legislative consultation in the region.
Senior officials from the state government reached Kubjhar later in the day to conduct a detailed review of the law-and-order situation. They visited the affected localities, met with injured police personnel, and interacted with the village elders. Authorities also assured compensation for the injured officers and promised that no innocent citizen would be harassed in the name of investigation. District Magistrate Devendra Singh stated that the administration had formed a peace committee comprising representatives from both the protesting group and local government to ease tensions.
Residents, however, remain divided. While many condemned the violence, they insisted their frustrations stem from a perceived lack of communication and transparency. Abdul Karim, a local teacher, voiced concern that such legislation should have included broader public consultations. He said the protest was born out of desperation and a desire to be heard, not to cause chaos. Many others echoed his sentiments, calling for the state to organize open forums where concerns over the Waqf bill can be discussed.
In the political arena, the incident has given ammunition to opposition parties ahead of the upcoming municipal elections. Leaders from the Congress and CPI(M) visited Kubjhar and criticized the ruling BJP for what they called an increasingly authoritarian approach to public discourse. They alleged that the government had rushed sensitive legislation without adequate engagement with minority communities.
National minority rights groups have also taken note of the violence. A few organizations issued statements urging the Tripura government to clarify its stance on the Waqf amendment and ensure protections for traditional community land rights. They warned that a failure to address these concerns could result in similar unrest in other districts with significant Waqf holdings.
Back in Kubjhar, families affected by the clashes are slowly trying to resume their daily lives. Volunteers from nearby towns have arrived to support those injured and to help restore normalcy. The village mosque committee has also urged worshippers to stay calm and follow legal channels to voice their concerns. Religious leaders are playing a key role in urging the youth not to be swayed by rumors and to wait for the outcomes of the ongoing discussions with the government.
As the village moves into a period of reflection, many hope the tragic episode will lead to more meaningful dialogue between communities and the state. The violence in Kubjhar has highlighted a growing demand for participatory governance in policymaking—especially when religious or cultural matters are involved. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the state can bridge this gap and prevent further unrest from erupting elsewhere.