Journalist Killed Covering Indigenous Protests in Tripura State
Category: Unrest
Severity: 3 (Moderate)
Source: Drum Cussac
09/21/2017 (India) - Media reports indicate that a television journalist was abducted and killed on Wednesday, 20 September, whilst covering protests by a group representing indigenous tribal people in the northeastern state of Tripura. Shantanu Bhowmick is believed to have been reporting on road blocks by the Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT) near the town of Mandwai, around 20km (12 miles) east of the state capital Agartala, and recent clashes between rival groups in the region. According to police, Bhowmick was struck from behind and abducted whilst covering protests at the road block and was later found with fatal stab wounds. At least 60 people are reported to have been injured in clashes between IPFT supporters and rival Ganamukti Parishad activists in the area as a local dispute escalated. However, it is currently unclear whether Bhowmick was caught up in this violence or was intentionally targeted. Police have reportedly arrested four IPFT members in connection with the killing and deployed additional personnel to the area in an attempt to prevent further unrest.
Those in Tripura state are advised to exercise caution if travelling in the Mandwai area due to the communal tensions and potential for further unrest. Travellers should monitor local media sources for further updates on the situation in the region and to remain apprised of any further protests or associated security operations. Travellers are advised to minimise time spent in the vicinity of all demonstrations and political gatherings in India due to the risk of exposure to potential crowd disturbances and incidental violence.
Copyright © 2024 Drum Cussac
Related
News Alerts and Safety Profiles are provided strictly for informational purposes and contain the best available data at the time of writing. While every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy, the information in this report has not been independently verified and HTH Worldwide therefore accepts no responsibility or liability for any inaccuracies in such information and any such liability is expressly denied, and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made. Documents may be amended or withdrawn at any time without cause.