12 injured in clash over organising Durga Puja in Tripura

At least 12 people, including six women, were injured during a clash between two communities over organising Durga Puja in Tripura, police said Friday.

The Sipahijala district administration has promulgated Section 144 CrPc. A huge contingent of security forces have been deployed in Raghunathpur Munsibari area, 30 km from Agartala.

"A group of people without taking permission from the district administration started building marquees Thursday for organising Durga puja at Idgah Maidan (ground) in Raghunathpur Munsibari. People from other religion opposed the move and a clash between them erupted injuring 12 people," a police official said.

Of the 12 injured, six are women. The injured were shifted to a government hospital. Conditions of two people were stated to be critical.

Senior police officials led by Deputy Inspector General (southern range) Uttam Majumder have visited the area.

Dispute regarding using the Idgah Maidan for performing Durga Puja and Eid has been an issue for the communities over the past 50 years.

"The district administration gives permission ever year to organise Durga puja and Eid at the Idgah Maidan in consultations with all the communities. This year, we have fixed a meeting Saturday to consult the communities," Bishalgarh sub-divisional magistrate Prasun Dey told reporters.

He said the administration would hold a peace meeting soon to resolve the issue.