Twipra Students Federation (TSF) Observes Black Day in Memory of CAB Protest Shooting Victims

Agartala, January 08, 2024: Marking the fifth anniversary of a controversial police shooting, the Town and College Committee of the Twipra Students Federation (TSF) held a black day observation today at the Agartala North Gate. This somber event commemorated the TSF peaceful protesters who were shot by police on January 8, 2019, during demonstrations against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB).

On that fateful day in 2019, TSF members alongside countless others took to the streets to express their opposition to the CAB, a legislation they felt threatened indigenous tribal communities in Tripura and the Northeast. During the protests, tensions escalated, culminating in a police action that left several TSF activists injured by gunfire.

Today’s black day observance served as a stark reminder of the incident and its enduring impact. Members of the TSF Town and College Committee gathered at the Agartala North Gate, draping it in black banners and holding placards demanding justice for the victims. The somber mood was punctuated by speeches and chants reiterating their opposition to the CAB and calling for accountability from the authorities.

“Five years have passed, but the scars of that day remain etched in our hearts,” stated a TSF leader at the gathering. “We remember our fallen comrades and stand by the families who continue to grieve. We will not allow their sacrifice to be forgotten. We demand a thorough investigation into the shooting and justice for the victims.”

The TSF’s black day observation resonated beyond the organization itself, drawing support from local residents and other student groups who share concerns about the CAB and police actions. This event highlighted the ongoing legacy of the 2019 shooting and the continued demands for accountability and reform.

The CAB remains a contentious issue in India, particularly in the Northeast. While the government defends the legislation as a pathway to citizenship for persecuted minorities, critics argue it discriminates against Muslim refugees and undermines the rights of indigenous communities.

Today’s black day observation served as a powerful reminder of the human cost associated with such political controversies. As the TSF and other groups continue to seek justice and advocate for their rights, the events of January 8, 2019, remain a poignant symbol of the ongoing struggle for equality and respect in India.