Eviction Of Small Traders In Dharmanagar : CPI(M) Leaders Visit Demolished Sites.

Dharmanagar, Tripura, 11th of February, 2026 : Tension has spread across Dharmanagar town following the demolition and eviction of small and medium-scale traders from their shops—many of which were their sole source of livelihood. Recently, the Dharmanagar Municipal Council carried out eviction drives in different parts of the town, leading to the demolition of numerous small shops.

As a result, many trader families are now facing severe uncertainty about their future.In this situation, CPI(M) leaders visited the demolished sites on Wednesday and assured support to the affected traders. Present during the visit were CPI(M) State Secretariat member and CITU state leader Amitabh Dutta. He was accompanied by Sushen Pal, Secretary of the Dharmanagar Sub-Divisional Committee of the Hawkers’ Union; Jaharul Haque, Secretary of CITU Dharmanagar Sub-Divisional Committee; President Niranjan Debnath, along with other leaders.The delegation visited several affected areas, including Dharmanagar East Market and the roadside area in front of BBI School, and interacted with the affected traders. Many shopkeepers alleged that the eviction drive was conducted without prior written notice and that they were informed only verbally. As a result, they did not get sufficient time to remove their goods. Several traders claimed that their merchandise was damaged and even looted during the operation.

Interacted with the media, Amitabh Dutta said, “Such demolition is completely unacceptable. It is an inhuman step. The livelihood of small traders cannot be treated so casually.” He further stated that beautification of the town cannot come at the cost of depriving common people of their means of survival.Dutta urged the state government to immediately provide adequate compensation to the affected traders and to arrange alternative spaces for those whose shops have been demolished. He warned that if the administration fails to address the issue seriously, they would be compelled to launch a larger movement.

Leaders of the Hawkers’ Union stated that these traders had been regularly paying taxes and other fees to the Municipal Council for years. The sudden eviction has left their future uncertain, and many families are now struggling to cope with the situation.Meanwhile, there has been no official response from the administration regarding the eviction. However, a section of local residents believes that such drives, without proper rehabilitation plans, may further increase public resentment.The future of Dharmanagar’s small traders now depends on the decisions taken by the administration. How quickly the state government implements compensation and rehabilitation measures remains to be seen.

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