CPI(M) MLA Jitendra Chaudhury writes to CM Dr. Manik Saha over bulldozing residents of Muslim families in Tripura

The CPI(M) state secretary and MLA Jitendra Chaudhury on Monday expressed his concern over the demolition of the residents of seven Muslim families at Raiyabari ADC village in Udaipur sub-division on May 25 last.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Monday, the CPI(M) leader stated, “On May 25th, 2023, the houses of 7 families of long-time permanent residents were brutally demolished with bulldozers in the middle Raiyabari ADC village under Udaipur sub-division by Gomati district administration and forest department. At the same time, the rubber plantations, the main source of income for these families, have been cut and destroyed. All these affected families belong to religious minorities.”

“While organizing this uncontrollable event, the administrative officials also used force on helpless women and children. Which is very reprehensible and a shame for a democratic and civilized country,” the letter stated.

He stated, “These families have also been awarded by the Forest Department for their unique contribution to afforestation by partnering in joint afforestation. In such a situation, the initiative taken to identify these families as illegal occupants and forcefully evict them is not acceptable at all.”

Terming the incident as ‘unfair’ and ‘inhumane’, Chaudhury pressed for a 5-point charter of demands with the Chief Minister. The demand includes – Stopping of such ‘unjust’ eviction drive, To rebuild their houses before the monsoons that have been destroyed, Assets destroyed should be investigated by an impartial agency and ensuring appropriate compensation to the affected families, ensure special amendment to the Forest Act by the Centre or make this land a forest reserve and arrange land settlement for these 7 families along with others and ensure social and administrative initiatives to maintain peace in the area.