By Firstdespatch Desk Sep 11, 2025
Agartala, Sept 11 (FD) Normal life was disrupted in Kailashahar, Unakoti district, on Thursday following a 12-hour bandh called by the Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee in support of its 11-point charter of demands. The strike, which began at 6 am, saw widespread shutdowns across the town.
The Congress has been demanding the revival of Kailashahar airport and the extension of the railway line to the district headquarters, among other issues. Congress Legislature Party leader Birajit Sinha claimed the bandh was a success, crediting people’s support.
“The revival of Kailashahar airport is strategically vital because of the changing security situation. Bangladesh has reportedly developed an airbase at Samserganj, right across the border. Therefore, reopening our dormant airport is a necessity,” Sinha asserted.
He also alleged that at least 250 Congress workers, including district president Badruzzaman, were detained by police during the bandh. In the morning, party leaders and supporters blocked roads at several points by burning tyres.
Educational institutions, banks, and markets remained closed, while government offices reported thin attendance, with only senior officials present. Public transport and private vehicles were largely off the roads, and most shops downed shutters in support of the bandh.
Police, however, confirmed that no major untoward incident occurred. “As of now, the situation in Kailashahar is peaceful and under control. We have asked the political party to observe the bandh peacefully. Police will take strict action if there is any attempt to incite violence,” said Unakoti SP Sudhambika R.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly opposed the strike. Kailashahar Mandal president Pritam Ghosh led bike rallies across the town, mobilizing thousands of party workers. “The Congress has called for a meaningless bandh that harms people’s livelihoods. We are spreading awareness among citizens and urging them to return to work,” Ghosh said.
Meanwhile, tension gripped Kailashahar on Wednesday, ahead of the bandh, when incidents of vehicle vandalism, assaults on drivers, and allegations of bribery against police personnel surfaced in different areas. Responding to this, SP Sudhambika R. clarified, “There were some minor incidents during the bandh, but no major untoward situation occurred.” FD JK