Tripura Government Faces Public Outrage Over VIP Security Blockade
The state government of Tripura encountered severe criticism on Sunday following an incident where a stroke patient was stranded for more than two hours due to extensive security blockades. This occurred during the visit of Vice President of India, C P Radhakrishnan, to the Tripureswari temple, highlighting systemic issues in handling medical emergencies under VIP protocols.
Widespread Disruption on Agartala-Udaipur Highway
Police authorities had deployed personnel along the 55-kilometre Agartala-Udaipur national highway early in the morning to ensure a clear route for the Vice President's convoy. In the process, vehicles were halted along the corridor, including ambulances, emergency service vehicles, and pedestrians. This led to significant anger among commuters and local residents who were caught in the gridlock.
Reports indicate that long stretches of the road between Udaipur and Agartala were shut down well in advance of the Vice President's scheduled visit, causing widespread disruption to daily life. The situation escalated when it was revealed that the stroke patient's vehicle, among others, was held at Bishalgarh for hours as security personnel worked to clear the highway.
Patient Stranded and Public Outrage Grows
The patient remained inside the car throughout the delay, with images and videos of the stranded individual circulating widely on social media and news platforms. This visual evidence fueled public outrage and raised serious questions about the prioritization of medical emergencies during VIP movements. Many citizens expressed frustration over what they perceive as a failure to adhere to established safety protocols.
Similar Incidents in Agartala City
Similar disruptions were reported within Agartala city itself, where traffic on key routes such as North Gate and Airport Road was stopped nearly an hour before the Vice President's scheduled appearance at Tripura University. Pedestrians also faced blockades, with some appealing to police personnel for passage. In areas without dedicated traffic police, confrontations erupted between stranded commuters and members of the Tripura State Rifles and civil police, further complicating the situation.
Human Rights Activists Highlight Recurring Issues
Human rights activists have pointed out that established VIP movement protocols across India mandate priority passage for emergency vehicles, including ambulances and patient carriers, regardless of security arrangements. They warned that such incidents have become recurring in Tripura, indicating a pattern of negligence. Allegations have surfaced that ambulances and mortuary vehicles were similarly stranded during the visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah just two weeks prior, suggesting a systemic problem.
A designated police officer involved in traffic management stated that the instructions were implemented strictly on the direction of top security officials, implying a top-down approach that may overlook ground realities.
Controversy Over University Convocation Access
Separately, objections were raised regarding police issuing passes for entry to the 14th convocation at Tripura University, where Vice President Radhakrishnan served as the chief guest. Faculty members, staff, and students reported significant resentment after many were denied access to the hall, sparking debates over inclusivity and administrative transparency during high-profile events.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in balancing security needs with public welfare, particularly in regions like Tripura where VIP visits can lead to widespread inconvenience. The public outcry serves as a reminder for authorities to review and refine their protocols to prevent such occurrences in the future.
