Police detain TET-qualified job seekers ahead of planned protest in Agartala

Tension gripped the city on Saturday as police detained a group of TET-qualified job seekers near Town Hall, moments before they were set to launch a protest march demanding recruitment and employment. 

The candidates had announced a programme to lay siege to the Chief Minister’s residence to press their long-pending demand, but were intercepted and taken to a police station before the agitation could begin.

The detained candidates expressed frustration, stating that despite clearing the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) and fulfilling all required qualifications, they have been waiting for recruitment for years. They alleged that authorities have repeatedly given assurances but no permanent solution has been implemented.

The job seekers clarified that their intention was not to create unrest but to draw government attention to their plight. “We only want the recruitment process to be expedited and employment opportunities provided to eligible candidates,” one protester said.

The police action sparked resentment among the protesters, who questioned why they were detained for peacefully voicing their demands. They reiterated that their agitation would continue until the government provides a concrete response on recruitment.

Notably, the issue of pending recruitment of TET-qualified candidates has become a recurring flashpoint in Tripura, with repeated protests staged across the state in recent months. Aspirants argue that the shortage of teachers in schools makes their demand both urgent and justified.

Meanwhile, the candidates vowed to pursue the matter relentlessly, insisting that only a clear timeline for recruitment will resolve their agitation.