Tripura CM Dr. Manik Saha urged urgent border modernisation as a central team prepares to inspect unfenced Indo-Bangla border stretches. He highlighted security concerns, drug trafficking routes, and the need for stronger fencing infrastructure across vulnerable areas.
A fresh push for strengthening border infrastructure has gained momentum after Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha announced that a central team is likely to visit the state soon to inspect unfenced stretches and damaged fencing along the India-Bangladesh international border. The visit is expected to focus on vulnerable areas where security gaps continue to pose challenges for law enforcement agencies and border guarding forces.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Dr Saha stated that there were no land acquisition-related obstacles delaying border fencing work in the state. He emphasized that the issue had already been raised during the 22nd plenary session of the North Eastern Council, where concerns regarding weak and unfenced border stretches were discussed in detail.
According to the chief minister, several portions of the border fencing have deteriorated due to corrosion and harsh environmental conditions. Difficult terrain, water bodies and repeated acts of vandalism by miscreants have further complicated maintenance efforts in several sensitive locations. He said detailed reports along with photographic evidence had already been sent to New Delhi for review.
Dr Saha noted that the Centre had assured the state government that modernisation of the border infrastructure would begin soon. The proposed upgrade is expected to include improved fencing systems and enhanced surveillance measures aimed at tightening security along the international boundary.
Highlighting the state’s security preparedness, the chief minister said Tripura has already implemented a three-layer border protection mechanism. Under this arrangement, the Border Security Force serves as the first line of defence, the Tripura State Rifles functions as the second layer, while state police personnel form the third security layer.
He claimed that this coordinated security network played an important role in preventing infiltration attempts during the recent political unrest in neighbouring Bangladesh. The chief minister stressed that stronger border infrastructure would further improve the state’s ability to monitor illegal crossings and criminal activities.
The Tripura chief minister also expressed concern over the growing narcotics trade in the northeastern region. He stated that drugs originating from Myanmar are often routed through Assam and Mizoram before reaching Bangladesh via Tripura. According to him, porous borders remain one of the biggest reasons behind the continued spread of narcotics trafficking networks in the region.
“Unless the international borders are completely sealed, the drug menace will continue,” Dr Saha said while underlining the need for stronger coordination between security agencies and state administrations.
To address the increasing number of drug addiction cases, the state government has decided to establish eight de-addiction centres across Tripura. Dr Saha said financial assistance has also been secured from the Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region for setting up a rehabilitation centre aimed at supporting drug victims and their families.
On the issue of law and order, the chief minister maintained that police authorities act immediately whenever incidents of political violence are reported. He asserted that party workers have been instructed not to engage in violent activities under any circumstances.
Referring to political developments in eastern India, Dr Saha remarked that parties depending on political violence often fail to sustain public support in the long run. He cited political changes in neighbouring states as examples while stressing the importance of democratic and peaceful governance.
The chief minister also highlighted recent achievements of Tripura Police, particularly in implementing India’s newly introduced criminal laws. He said Tripura became the first state in the country to organise a public exhibition on the new legal framework between September 10 and 14 last year.
| Also Read: Vanghmun Police Station Records Zero Crime Cases in 2026 |
Dr Saha added that Tripura secured the third position among states and union territories in implementing the new criminal law reforms, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bhartiya Saksha Adhiniyam.
