Violence Is Not the Answer: Healing Gondatwisa’s Wounds

“A coward is incapable of exhibiting love; it is the prerogative of the brave.” – Mahatma Gandhi

By Saibal Debbarma

July 15, 2024

Gondatwisa in flames

On the night following the death of Parameshwar Reang, 13^th July,2024, Gondatwisa erupted in conflict between its ethnic communities. The incensed community, angered by Reang’s loss, allegedly retaliated against another group. Ethnic fault lines in Tripura have a history of being easily triggered, and this incident was no exception. Previously, Gondatwisa was a peaceful and scenic land known for its Dumbur lakes and Narikelbagan (Coconut Islands). The communal rioting has been criticized by victims of the angered retaliation as unnecessary and irrational, especially since the miscreants involved in the murder were reportedly arrested.

The major burnt of the destruction and havoc has been inflicted upon the residing community of the Narayanpur area and 30-card area of the Gondatwisa sub-divsion. Lots of families including school and college students are displaced and are seeking refuge in the Gandacherra Class-XII school premises. The books, clothes and uniform of the students have been burned to ashes and since exams are nearing, they are anxious about how they will be able to cope with the situation. The intervention of the State Education Department for providing special regulations and dates regarding the admissions and exams of the school and college students will be required for ensuring that these events do not affect the student’s futures.

The trauma of violence

  Gondatwisa, has turned into a civil-war zone within the past few days. The normal routine of life has been suspended and women, children and elderly are the most vulnerable and innocent sufferers of the riot.  The men of both the ethnic communities alerted by the violence are keeping guard over their respective areas all throughout the night.

The atmosphere of violence and communal tension, which has emerged like a hydra, threatens to derail Gondatwisa’s path toward peace and progress. One ethnic group justifies their anger by citing decades of economic and social inequality, while the other is outraged by the unjust destruction of property, goods, and vehicles belonging to innocent villagers following the killing of Parameshwar Reang. Both communities are now demanding moral and economic reparations from the state.

The violence that erupted after Parameshwar Reang’s death will deepen the divide between the two ethnic communities, causing lasting trauma for both. Stereotypes portraying the indigenous community as the violent ‘other’ will become entrenched in the minds of the other group. Additionally, the younger generation, who have gained some tolerance for different cultures through modern education and the internet, may start to distance themselves from one another, fostering division and discrimination instead.

A road-map to redemption and healing

Now, it is imperative that both the communities embrace a Gandhian approach of non-violence and empathy to heal their relationships and honour the memory of Parameshwar Reang, who demonstrated compassion by protecting a mentally disabled boy from the other community. Leaders from both sides must actively work to restore trust by promoting peace, harmony, and community-building efforts.

Both communities should take steps in making reparations and reach out for each other through community-building efforts. Surely, the aggrieved party will have some censure and fear regarding the sudden display of kindness by the other party. But reparations have to be made for harm done through diligent, patient and kind efforts directed at the aggrieved members of both the communities then only, can our land return to its earlier state of peace and harmony.

Saibal Debbarma is an Assistant Professor of English at Govt. Degree College, Gondatwisa.

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