Silchar: [29-06-2023] :- The joyous atmosphere of Eid-ul-Azha turned somber in the city of Silchar as scattered incidents of violence marred the day of sacrifice. Unpleasant occurrences unfolded sporadically in several areas, including Rongpur, Ghaniyala, Kathal Road, Durgapally, and Chiurkandi, leaving the residents in distress. The situation escalated on Panchayat Road where clashes between two groups resulted in car vandalism and left at least seven people injured. Prompt action by the police brought the situation under control, but tension still prevails in some parts of the city.
The first outbreak of violence was reported in Rongpur and Ghaniyala at around 9 o’clock in the morning, following disputes over animal sacrifice. However, timely intervention by the police helped quell the situation in these areas. Subsequently, similar incidents were reported from Annapurnaghat, Kathal Road, and Durgapally. The situation took a turn for the worse on Panchayat Road, where violent confrontations erupted between two groups engaged in animal sacrifice. The clashes escalated, resulting in the vandalism of vehicles, including several e-rickshaws.
Police immediately rushed to the scene after receiving reports of the violence. Despite their efforts, they initially failed to control the situation, necessitating reinforcements from Sadar Police Station, National Highway, and Tarapur town Outpost. Superintendent of Police, Numal Mahatta, and South Assam DIG, Kankanjyoti Saikia, personally monitored the area to restore order. After a series of interventions, the police managed to disperse the clashing parties and deployed additional forces to maintain peace.
Residents of Panchayat Road alleged that a family from an adjacent mosque was openly conducting animal sacrifices, which led to a clash with unidentified individuals who were filming the incident. The situation escalated quickly, with both sides engaging in violent acts, resulting in damage to the mosque and injuries to several individuals.
On the other hand, the opposing party claimed that some of their members were targeted by youths from Panchayat Road while passing through the area in e-rickshaws. They accused these individuals of vandalizing their vehicles and expressed discontent over the open slaughtering of animals in the vicinity.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed concern over the incidents and instructed MLA Dipayan Chakraborty to personally oversee the situation. The Chief Minister also directed the allocation of grants from the Legislative Fund to repair the damaged panchayat roads and compensate for the vandalized mosque.
As part of his visit, MLA Dipayan Chakraborty met with the mosque committee and provided immediate financial assistance of fifty thousand rupees. He assured the committee of an additional grant of Rs 5 lakh from the MLA Development Fund to support the mosque’s restoration. The MLA also expressed his intention to hold a compromise meeting between the involved parties after Friday’s Jumma Namaz, urging both sides to restore peace and harmony in the area.
In response to the violence on Panchayat Road, the police have arrested three individuals from Kanakpur. Similar incidents were also reported from other parts of the city, such as Durgapalli, Kathal Road, and Chirukandi, but they were brought under control promptly by the police.
As the situation remains tense, authorities continue to monitor the area to prevent further escalations. The city’s administration and law enforcement agencies are working diligently to ensure the safety and security of all residents during this sensitive time.
