Tipra Motha bandh at Jampuijala after leaders held over vandalism

Agartala: Political unrest gripped Jampuijala in Tripura’s Sepahijala district after police arrested Tipra Motha leaders following the reported vandalism of a BJP party office.Police said they opened an investigation based on complaints that named local Tipra Motha MLA Biswajit Koloi and ADC member Suraj Debbarma in connection with the incident. Jampuijala ADC village chairman Ranjit Debbarma was arrested and remanded in judicial custody until May 11.Jampuijala Police Station OC Mrinal Kanti Reang was suspended for what authorities described as a lapse in maintaining law and order.Tipra Motha’s youth wing, the YTF, called a 12-hour bandh on Tuesday, protesting what it termed “police excesses and political targeting.” The shutdown disrupted normal life, with government offices and shops closed and vehicular movement halted in areas including Takarjala and Jampuijala.The incident was reported to have taken place on Sunday afternoon during what was described as a victory celebration.Reports alleged that miscreants attacked and looted the BJP party office despite a sizeable police presence led by the Officer-in-Charge.CM Manik Saha issued strict instructions for immediate resolution, officials said.Authorities have registered cases against 16 people, including MLA Koloi and MDC Suraj Debbarma.Police said several BJP members and workers, including Takarjala Mandal President Nirmal Debbarma, have faced repercussions since the ADC election counting day.