Guwahati: Several houses were set on fire by unidentified miscreants on Sunday night at Durganagar area in West Tripura district following communal tension.
Tension gripped the area after a Kali idol in a temple was reportedly found defaced. The place where the incident took place is about 12km from the state capital Agartala.
Sources said a large number of people stormed into the Durganagar area in Jirania subdivision and set fire to houses belonging to those whom they suspected to be behind the defacement of the idol. Vehicles were also damaged during the attack. Security forces were rushed to the area to control the situation.
The incident took place amid "unprecedented" floods the state is witnessing. At least 24 people have died due to floods and landslides while 1.27 lakh people rendered homeless due to the deluge since August 21. The flood has affected 17 lakh people.
Fearing further escalation of communal tension, administration of West Tripura district on Monday imposed restriction on movement of more than five people together in the entire Jirania subdivision. "There is an apprehension of breach of peace due to violent activities of a group of people under Jirania subdivision," said the restriction order issued by Vihal Kumar, district magistrate of West Tripura.
Tripura CM Manik Saha asked police to take strict steps against those breaking the law and in order to prevent further escalation of the situation.
Tipra Motha chief Pradyot Debbarma on Monday expressed concern over the incident and appealed everyone to maintain law and order.
"Last night incident in Ranirbazar Kaiturbari area is a worrying sign with reports of communal clashes. I appeal everyone to follow the rule of law," he wrote on social media.
"When our state is reeling under a natural disaster and so much stress is there, some elements are only playing religious politics. Miscreants regardless of their faith must be dealt with firmly. Law has to be neutral to all. I ask for Tripura to unite in these tough times and not fight with each other," he said.