Violence erupted in Kadamtala, India, on October 6, after tensions arose between Hindus and Muslims over subscriptions for Durga Puja celebrations. This led to clashes, resulting in the death of 36-year-old Alfeshani Ahmed, who was shot in the head amid the turmoil. His family claims he was targeted by the police, while authorities maintain his death is under investigation.
The violence escalated on October 7, with Hindu mobs allegedly targeting Muslim-owned shops, homes, and even a mosque. Suhail Ahmed Khan, whose shop was burned down, lamented the loss of his life savings. While the police were accused of inaction, local legislators claimed the violence was state-sponsored by the ruling BJP.
The clashes in Kadamtala are part of a pattern of inter-religious violence in Tripura, exacerbated by incidents in which Muslims were accused of defacing Hindu deities. Sultan Ahmed, an activist, highlighted the ongoing fear among Muslims in Tripura following past riots in 2021.
Tripura historically did not have religious clashes until the BJP came to power, with instances of communal violence on the rise since 2018. Hindu groups have been accused of stoking communal tensions through various incidents. BJP’s spokesperson denied any special treatment for such groups under the current government.
The recent violence in Kadamtala has shattered the harmony between Hindus and Muslims, with tensions leading to a divide that may take years to heal. The situation reflects a broader shift in the area, with Hindus reportedly adopting more provocative behavior towards Muslims during religious festivals.
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