Tripura Mosque Fire: Tensions flared in Tripura’s Unakoti district on Saturday, January 10, 2026, when an altercation over temple fund collection led to arson attacks on a mosque, houses and shops. At least 10 people were injured, prompting arrests and internet suspension.
The incident highlights ongoing communal sensitivities in India’s northeast, where disputes over religious contributions can escalate rapidly, affecting minority communities and requiring swift state intervention to maintain order.
Agartala: Violence erupted in Saidarpar village under Kumarghat sub-division in Unakoti district after a group demanded donations for a local temple from a Muslim shop owner. The disagreement turned violent, resulting in the torching of several properties including the Saidur Para Mosque.
Police reported that the clash began around 9:30 AM when the group insisted on immediate payment. The shop owner, identified as Ali, stated he had already contributed and promised more later. This led to a physical assault on him, followed by arson on his home and nearby structures.
Superintendent of Police Avinash Kumar Rai confirmed that paramilitary forces were deployed for patrolling. He added that no new incidents occurred after the initial outbreak.
Unakoti District Violence Escalates
Witnesses described a coordinated attack. Maulana Abdul Malik reported that the group set fire to five or six houses, multiple shops and the mosque. Vehicles including bikes, cars and a tractor were also destroyed. Graves in the area were allegedly damaged.
Police intervened with a mild lathi charge and used drones for surveillance. In one account, officers fired in the air to disperse the crowd. The administration imposed prohibitory orders under section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita across Kumarghat sub-division.
Mobile internet services were suspended for 48 hours to curb rumour spread. Rai stated that the situation was under control by evening, with security forces maintaining vigilance in sensitive zones.
Ten individuals were arrested for their alleged involvement in the Unakoti district violence. Investigations continue to identify others linked to the arson and assaults.
Temple Fund Altercation Tripura Sparks Outrage
The temple fund altercation in Tripura drew criticism from opposition leaders. Congress legislature party leader Birajit Sinha claimed police prevented him from visiting the site, citing security concerns. He protested the restriction.
Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury accused the BJP-led government of failing to protect minority properties. He noted that Chief Minister Manik Saha was conducting a roadshow in Kanchanpur during the incident and had not issued a statement on the communal clashes in Tripura.
Unakoti Police issued a statement confirming immediate action to prevent escalation. It detailed that district forces responded promptly to reports of arson and violence.
Superintendent Rai clarified that some youths set fires outside homes, but police acted swiftly to contain the damage. No fatalities were reported, though 10 people including officers sustained injuries.
Communal Clashes Tripura: Local Impact
Residents in Saidarpar, a mixed community area, expressed fear over the sudden outbreak. The mosque, a central place of worship, suffered extensive damage from the fire. Shops selling daily goods were reduced to ashes, disrupting local trade.
The temple fund altercation in Tripura stemmed from collections for an upcoming Bhairab Mela, a local fair. Such drives are common but rarely lead to such severe confrontations.
Authorities reviewed the restrictions on Sunday, January 11, 2026. Internet suspension aimed to limit misinformation, a measure used in past communal clashes in Tripura.
Background of Tripura Mosque Fire Incident
Tripura has seen sporadic communal tensions in recent years. In December 2025, a mosque in another district faced an arson attempt, with a threat note recovered.
The state’s diverse population includes Hindu and Muslim communities, with occasional disputes over religious events. Government data from the Tripura Home Department shows 15 reported communal incidents in 2025, mostly resolved through mediation.
Unakoti district, bordering Bangladesh, has a population of about 300000, per 2021 census figures. Economic activities centre on agriculture and small trade, making property losses from Unakoti district violence particularly burdensome.
Police records indicate that temple fund collections have triggered minor arguments before, but escalation to arson is rare. The current case marks the first major communal clashes in Tripura in 2026.
What’s Next
Officials plan to ease curbs if calm persists. A review meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 12, 2026. Community leaders from both sides may hold talks to prevent recurrence.
The administration urged residents to report suspicious activities via emergency line 112. Enhanced patrolling will continue in Unakoti district.
Investigations into the Tripura mosque fire focus on identifying instigators. Charges under relevant sections for arson, assault and promoting enmity are expected.
The incident underscores the need for dialogue in diverse regions. As probes advance, authorities aim to restore normalcy swiftly amid lingering concerns over communal clashes in Tripura.
The Tripura mosque fire serves as a reminder of vulnerabilities in community relations, with calls for stricter oversight on religious fund drives.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 12th, 2026
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