Reported by Mrinal Banik
Agartala: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday said the state has urged the Centre to expedite the repair and modernisation of vulnerable stretches along the India-Bangladesh border, citing concerns over infiltration, smuggling, and cross-border crimes.
Addressing reporters after the passing-out parade of recruit constables at the KTD Singh Police Training Academy in Narsinghgarh, Saha said the issue of incomplete and damaged fencing was raised during the recent plenary meeting of the North Eastern Council.
He said the state government has already sent reports and photographs to the Centre highlighting stretches where fencing has weakened due to erosion, difficult terrain, and water bodies, while in certain locations border infrastructure has allegedly been damaged by miscreants.
According to the Chief Minister, a central team is expected to visit Tripura to examine the situation on the ground.
Saha said Tripura follows a three-tier security arrangement along the international border, with the Border Security Force, Tripura State Rifles, and state police working in coordination.
Referring to the drug trade, he said narcotics originating from Myanmar move through neighbouring northeastern states before entering Bangladesh via Tripura, making the state a transit corridor.
“Unless the borders are fully secured, the drug problem will continue,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the state government plans to open eight de-addiction centres and has also secured financial assistance from the Ministry for Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER) for a rehabilitation facility.
On law and order, Saha said police respond promptly to incidents of political violence and added that instructions have been issued to party workers against involvement in such activities.
The remarks came shortly after 476 constables, including 318 women, completed their training and joined Tripura Police. Another batch of recruits is currently undergoing training at the TSR centre in R K Nagar.
Saha said the higher participation of women in the force reflects the government’s focus on increasing female representation in policing.
He also said newly recruited personnel are being trained in modern policing techniques and technology-driven systems.
The Chief Minister announced that Tripura will organise a public exhibition in September on the implementation of the new criminal laws, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.
He claimed the state ranks among the top performers in the implementation of the new legal framework.
Saha also launched the “Track Me” feature linked to the emergency response service 112, claiming Tripura is the first state in the country to introduce the system.
The feature enables women and elderly persons travelling alone to share their real-time location with police control rooms and nearby police stations during emergencies through a mobile application.
He further announced that two India Reserve battalions will be raised in the state.
