On January 10, 2026, violence broke out in Fatikroy, Tripura, after an alleged dispute over the collection of funds for a local pooja (prayer). Muslim residents were reportedly targeted, with several homes, shops, and a mosque set on fire. As a result, many lost their livelihood, their shelters, and peace. Several others were critically injured. However, what jolted the community the most was that before they could recover, another blow followed: the police arrest of innocent survivors.
One, two, three, … six of them were arrested. What made the situation more compounding was that these were the sole bread earners of the family. Their arrest generated another set of peril: how to run the house in their absence.
While the village was set on fire, the heart of the residence faced the burns of it. Devastated, they stood in front of their charred houses and shops with their members behind the bars. Humanity, they said, seemed lost.
“What did we do? What was our crime? Our house was burnt; our shops were looted and destroyed; and above all, our members have been arrested. What was our crime?” a lady, on account of anonymity, said while talking to Miles2Smile.
To not make their pain another ordeal, Miles2Smile facilitated their daily expenses alongside building shops and other sources of livelihood. This was done under our initiative Dastagir.
The Dastagir initiative by Miles2Smile supports the families of people who have been wrongfully incarcerated. In many of these cases, the imprisoned person was the sole breadwinner, and their absence left the family struggling to meet daily needs. Through this initiative, Miles2Smile provides educational support for children, livelihood assistance, and a monthly allowance to help families manage basic expenses. The aim is to ensure that these households can continue their lives with stability while their loved ones remain in prison.
The individuals who were supported under the Dastagir initiative in Tripura included the families of Usman, Anu Miya, Jashim Ali, Azhar Ali, Musabbir Ali, and Matachir Ali.
Miles2Smile’s assistance helped these families to meet their daily expenses and operate their houses effectively.
