Violent clashes erupted during a ganja destruction drive in Tripura’s Baramura forest, leaving security personnel injured and triggering a major road blockade. Authorities fired blank rounds, launched an inquiry, and reaffirmed their anti-narcotics crackdown.
A large-scale anti-narcotics operation in Tripura’s Baramura forest area under Kalamchoura police station turned violent on Friday, leaving several security personnel injured and triggering a prolonged road blockade by aggrieved local residents. The incident highlights the growing tension between law enforcement agencies and communities dependent on illicit cultivation for livelihood.
According to official sources, the violence erupted during a ganja destruction drive conducted jointly by the Tripura Police and Assam Rifles in an interior pocket of North Kalamchoura. As security forces moved in to destroy illegal cannabis plantations, a group of cultivators and local residents allegedly resisted the operation, leading to clashes marked by stone-pelting and physical confrontations.
Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Sonamura, Shashi Mohan Debbarma, confirmed the incident and stated that the situation escalated rapidly due to resistance from the gathered crowd. “The incident occurred at an interior pocket of North Kalamchoura. Some individuals attempted to obstruct the lawful destruction drive and resorted to stone pelting,” Debbarma said.
Local sources claimed that the confrontation intensified to such an extent that security forces were compelled to fire blank rounds in the air to disperse the agitated mob. Stones and brickbats were allegedly hurled at police personnel and Assam Rifles troopers, resulting in injuries.
“No one suffered serious injuries, but some troopers were hit by stones and brickbats. The exact number of injured persons is still being assessed,” SDPO Debbarma added. He also confirmed that a specific case has been registered in connection with the incident to identify those responsible for obstructing official duty and resorting to violence.
However, sources within the Assam Rifles initially stated that no personnel had sustained injuries. Contradicting this claim, local correspondents reported that at least four personnel from the 35 Assam Rifles, including a driver, and two police personnel were injured during the clash. The injured reportedly suffered head and chest injuries and were rushed to Bishalgarh hospital, where they received medical treatment.
Sources further indicated that several rounds were fired by Assam Rifles personnel to bring the situation under control. Authorities clarified that the firing was non-lethal and no bullet injuries were reported.
Following the dispersal of the crowd, the security forces resumed and successfully completed the ganja destruction drive. Officials stated that large patches of illegal cannabis cultivation were destroyed as part of the operation, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to curbing narcotics production in forest and border areas.
Meanwhile, allegations surfaced regarding the assault of five local youths in separate incidents in North Kalamchoura market and nearby localities after the operation. One of the injured youths was reportedly a candidate preparing for the secondary examination. The injured individuals were provided primary treatment at a nearby health centre. Authorities have not officially confirmed these allegations but assured that all complaints would be examined.
Public anger over the incident culminated in a road blockade on the Sonamura–Boxanagar road at North Kalamchoura around 1 pm. The blockade, staged by local villagers, led to traffic disruption for over three hours, severely affecting commuters, office-goers, emergency patients, and transport services.
| Also Read: Mayor Promises Shops for Licensed Vendors After Eviction |
SDPO Shashi Mohan Debbarma reached the blockade site at around 4.30 pm and held discussions with the protesters. He assured them of a fair and impartial inquiry into the allegations of excess force and injuries. Following his assurance, the villagers agreed to withdraw the blockade, restoring normal traffic movement.
The incident underscores the complex challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in anti-narcotics operations, particularly in remote and economically vulnerable regions. While authorities maintain that such drives are essential to curb illegal drug production and trafficking, local resistance continues to pose significant operational and law-and-order challenges.
