Ambassa sub division of Dhalai District witnessed high political drama on Wednesday after opposition leader and CPI(M) state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury’s convoy was intercepted by members of the non-political organization Janajati Samaj at Naila Bari area. 

Protesters carrying black flags blocked his vehicle and shouted “go back” slogans, alleging that Chowdhury had insulted the state’s traditional attire, Risa.

The situation quickly escalated, prompting a heavy police deployment to restore order. Chaudhury was later escorted safely to Ambassa Town Hall, where a memorial meeting was organized to mark the first death anniversary of late CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury.

Speaking to reporters, a protester claimed that Chaudhury’s recent remarks on Risa amounted to an insult to the tribal identity and pride of Tripura. “This is not just an insult to the tribal community, but to all people of Tripura. Being a tribal himself, how can he make such a statement about Risa? He must apologize immediately, or we will be forced to launch a bigger movement,” the protester warned.

Soon after, CPI(M) workers took out a counter-protest rally from the Town Hall in Chowdhury’s support. Addressing the media, Chowdhury dismissed the allegations, calling them “false and politically motivated.” He said, “When I was the Minister of Forests, Information and Culture, I was the first to introduce Risa in Tripura. This is a conspiracy by the BJP government to mislead the tribal community and tarnish the image of CPI(M).”

He further alleged that the BJP’s Janajati Morcha was behind the protests staged in the name of the tribal community.