In a surprise move on Wednesday morning, the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) launched a demolition drive at Lake Chowmuhani Market, targeting structures deemed to be unauthorized. The operation resulted in the eviction of numerous small traders and vendors, causing uproar within the local business community.

Local traders have criticized the demolition for lacking a proper rehabilitation plan, with many alleging that they were forced to leave their stalls without compensation or support, leaving them struggling to find ways to continue their livelihoods.

The AMC’s decision was based on claims of illegal encroachments in the area, and the action followed a public announcement via loudspeakers the day before.

However, affected vendors have expressed their dissatisfaction, stating they were not given prior notice or offered any alternative location for their businesses.

Manik Sarkar, the former Chief Minister of Tripura and a member of the CPI(M) Politburo, strongly criticized the recent eviction drive at Lake Chowmuhani market in Agartala, terming it an “inhumane act” that has severely affected the livelihoods of poor traders.

Sarkar, who visited the demolition site on Thursday, met with the shopkeepers who were impacted by the destruction of their businesses and offered his party’s full support.

Sarkar criticized the government for its lack of compassion, questioning its motives. “If the government had a genuine development plan, they should have first ensured proper rehabilitation for these traders. Instead, they acted with arrogance, destroying the livelihoods of these poor families without warning,” he said.

Sarkar expressed outrage over the government’s actions, stating, “The BJP government shows no humanity.

The Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) carried out the eviction, demolishing several shops and leaving many traders in distress.