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Tripura: 4 Arrested in Gondacherra Violence. Affected Families Demands Security

Two days after violence and arson broke out in Gandacherra sub-division under Dhalai District of Tripura, district administration officials on Sunday said that around 30 to 40 shops and 20 to 25 houses were completely destroyed. Four people have been arrested in connection with the incident, officials said on Sunday. 

On Sunday, Dhalai District Magistrate Saju Waheed A and Superintendent of Police Avinash Rai chaired a peace meeting to instill confidence among the locals. Senior police and district administration officials spoke to the local traders and assured them of their full cooperation and urged them to reopen the market, which was closed for the last few days. 

DM Saju Waheed said that the local traders presented a four-point charter of demands related to security issues. "I am here to assess the entire situation, which is currently under control, DM Saju Waheed said.

'I chaired a 1.5 hour long meeting with representatives of the local business community. In this, they raised many concerns. They requested compensation for the affected families. The assessment has already been completed and compensation will be provided soon. Those living in shelters will be sent back to their homes soon' he said.

He said, 'Locals have requested to set up security camps in the affected areas, which have already been set up. We have assured them that strict action will be taken against anyone found deliberately involved in this. I appeal to everyone to maintain peace and stay away from rumours.'

He said, 'There has been no new incident of violence in Gandacherra. About 30 to 40 shops have been damaged at 7 places. 30 are completely damaged and the rest are partially damaged. About 20 to 25 houses are completely damaged while the rest are partially damaged.' 

Waheed further said that the violence took place at seven places on the outskirts of Gandacherra, the total assessment of which will be completed by Sunday.He said, 'Four people have been arrested in connection with the clash on July 7 and they are now in custody. The investigation into the incident of July 12 is ongoing and we hope that the case will be solved and the culprits will be caught soon.' 

Dhalai District Superintendent of Police Avinash Rai blamed emotions for the violence and said that a person was seriously injured in a clash between two persons on July 7. He later died. DM Saju Waheed said, 'The violence that erupted after his death led to incidents of arson and vandalism. The situation was brought under control within two-three hours. Now everything is under control. I urge the people of Gandacherra not to believe in rumours. A large number of senior officers and CAPF personnel have been deployed to ensure security. 

He also informed that four people have been arrested in connection with the first incident and the mastermind behind the violence will be arrested soon