Dharmanagar, Oct 15: Communal tension ran high at Pekucherra area of Panisagar sub-division in North Tripura on Tuesday following vandalism in a Shiva temple and a mosque.
Security personnel in adequate numbers have been deployed while mobile internet and text message services have been suspended for the next 72 hours.
The unrest began late on Monday night when unidentified individuals vandalized a Shiva temple at Pekucherra. After the incident came to light on Tuesday morning, a group of locals retaliated by damaging a nearby mosque. As news of the incident spread, communal tension quickly escalated in the area.
Simmering tension had already been there in the area following rape of a Hindu girl recently. Two suspects were already arrested in this connection. Vandalism in the temple further escalated the tension on Tuesday.
SP North Bhanupada Chakraborty arrived at the scene promptly to contain the situation, and although the initial flare-up of violence has been brought under control, tensions remain high.
At present, sufficient police forces and TSR personnel remain stationed in the area to maintain law and order. While the situation is reportedly under control, the atmosphere remains tense. Authorities are closely monitoring the developments to prevent further escalation.
Meanwhile, SP North Bhanupada Chakraborty has been closed to Police Headquarters while SP Dhalai Avinash Rai has been given additional charge of SP North.
Besides, in a notification undersigned by Secretary P.K. Chakravarty, the mobile internet/ SMS/ all sorts of Press Message services have been suspended with effect from 5 pm of Tuesday for the next 72 hours.
