Tripura Police foiled a militant attack ahead of Independence Day, arresting two TUNF extremists and seizing explosives. The militants planned to target security forces and loot weapons. Swift intelligence-based action averted a major incident, marking a significant breakthrough in countering emerging cross-border militant threats in the state.
In a major success for security forces in Tripura, police foiled a planned militant attack just hours before the Independence Day celebrations. Acting on precise intelligence, officers arrested two extremists linked to the newly-formed militant group, Tripura United National Front (TUNF), and recovered a large cache of high-grade explosives.
According to a senior police official, security agencies had been receiving specific intelligence about possible sabotage by armed groups with ties to the Reang (Bru) community. “We received actionable inputs that a group associated with TUNF was planning to target police or security forces deployed for Independence Day duties,” the official said.
Swift Action on Kanchanpur-Vangmun Highway
Following the intelligence alert, Tripura Police laid an ambush on the Kanchanpur-Vangmun highway. On Thursday evening, security personnel intercepted two suspected militants in front of Eden Tourist Lodge, under Vangmun Police Station in north Tripura district.
The arrested individuals were identified as Dhananjoy Reang, a resident of Katlichhera in Assam’s Hailakandi district, and Sadai Nanda Reang, from Kasko in the Damcherra area of north Tripura. During the search, police recovered sophisticated explosive materials intended for use in the planned attack.
Aiming to Target Security Forces and Loot Weapons
Initial investigations revealed that the militants’ primary objective was to kill security personnel on duty and loot arms and ammunition to bolster the TUNF’s resources. Officials believe the group was in its formation stage, operating primarily from Assam but with plans to expand into Tripura’s sensitive border regions.
“The group had been planning to carry out subversive activities in Kanchanpur subdivision to attract attention ahead of Independence Day. The attack was intended to send a message and gain visibility for their new outfit,” the senior police officer stated.
The TUNF reportedly intended to ambush police or security vehicles, eliminate personnel, and seize weapons, a tactic historically used by other militant outfits in the Northeast to strengthen their arsenals.
Close Surveillance and Timely Coordination
The breakthrough came after two days of intense surveillance by the state intelligence wing, working in close coordination with North Tripura district police. “This operation marks a significant step in neutralizing a potential cross-border militant threat. A major incident has been averted due to the proactive and swift action of our officers,” the official added.
The police have stepped up security across the state, especially in border areas and sensitive zones, to ensure the safe conduct of Independence Day celebrations.
Militancy in Tripura: Recent Trends and Surrender Movements
Tripura has a long history of militancy, with several outfits operating from across the border in the past. However, recent peace efforts have seen large-scale surrenders of insurgents.
On September 24 last year, a total of 584 militants belonging to the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) laid down their arms in a ceremony attended by Chief Minister Manik Saha at the Tripura State Rifles’ 7th Battalion headquarters in Jampuijala, Sepahijala district.
This mass surrender came after a peace agreement signed on September 4, 2024, in New Delhi between the Centre, the Tripura government, and leaders of the two militant outfits. The signing was witnessed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Tripura’s Chief Minister, and senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
A Clear Warning to Emerging Groups
Officials believe the TUNF’s attempt to carry out an attack indicates that while major outfits may have signed peace deals, smaller splinter groups are emerging to fill the vacuum. The successful pre-emptive action by Tripura Police sends a strong message that such activities will be met with swift and decisive force.
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“The operation not only prevented a possible loss of life but also disrupted the early organizational phase of a dangerous militant outfit,” a police spokesperson said. “Our forces remain on high alert to ensure peace and security during the celebrations.”
With heightened surveillance and public cooperation, authorities are confident that Independence Day in Tripura will pass without incident — a testament to the effectiveness of timely intelligence and coordinated security operations.
