A major protest erupted in Tripura’s Gomati district, demanding the expulsion of the Bangladeshi armed group PCJSS (Santu Larma faction). Protestors accused the group of drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and anti-India activities. A memorandum was submitted to CM Manik Saha urging immediate action to safeguard national security.
Hundreds of tribal and non-tribal residents of Tripura staged a massive protest today in Nutan Bazaar under Gomati District, demanding the immediate expulsion of members of the Bangladeshi armed outfit — Parbottya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS), led by Jyotirindra Bodhipriyo Larma alias Santu Larma.
Protesters submitted a detailed memorandum to Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, urging the state and central government to crack down on foreign insurgent elements operating within Indian borders. This marks the first large-scale civilian uprising in Tripura against any foreign armed group.
Allegations Against PCJSS (Santu Faction)
The demonstrators alleged that PCJSS (Santu) is a dangerous transnational outfit, involved in multiple illegal activities including drug and arms trafficking, using Indian territory — particularly Tripura and Mizoram — as operational bases. The group is accused of:
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Spoiling Northeast India’s youth by pushing narcotics like Yaba tablets.
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Sheltering in India after committing political murders in Bangladesh.
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Running arms trafficking networks across the Indo-Bangla-Myanmar region.
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Operating through a front organization called Tripura United National Front (TUNF), formed allegedly under the direction of Pakistan’s ISI and Bangladesh’s DGFI.
The PCJSS signed the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord in 1997 with the Bangladesh Government, but protestors claim that since then, Santu Larma — under the patronage of the Bangladesh Army — has continued to run a private militia known for kidnapping, torture, and extrajudicial executions.
Victims of these alleged operations include several prominent Chakma leaders such as Rupak Chakma, Mithun Chakma, and Animesh Chakma, among others.
Indian Territory as a Base for PCJSS Activities
The memorandum highlighted several recent seizures made by Indian law enforcement agencies, pointing to deep-rooted activities of PCJSS within India:
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December 30, 2024: Tripura Police seized 2,720 packets of Burmese cigarettes worth ₹9 lakh in Raishyabari, Dhalai District.
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February 12, 2025: Mizoram Police confiscated 2 AK-47s, 5 M4 Carbines, 20 magazines, and 4,675 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition.
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June 4, 2025: Tripura Police arrested 13 PCJSS cadres, later deported to Bangladesh.
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June 19, 2025: Assam Rifles recovered drugs worth ₹10 crore in Lunglei, Mizoram.
Transnational Leadership and Operations
Protesters identified several top PCJSS leaders believed to be operating from Indian soil:
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Field Commander: Pranati Bikash Chakma
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Deputy Field Commander: Ayushman Chakma Bulbul
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Political Secretary: Satyabir Dewan
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Organising Secretary: Shaktipada Tripura
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Publicity Head: Mangal Kumar Chakma
Others named include Bhavadutta Chakma, Usha Bindu Khisa, Samaj Priya Chakma, and Ashapurna Chakma — alleged to be deeply involved in the trafficking network.
The protesters also voiced alarm over the targeting of the Reang community by TUNF for recruitment. The Reangs, who inhabit both Tripura and Mizoram, are seen as strategic assets by foreign intelligence agencies to create unrest and destabilize India’s Northeast region.
Demand for Urgent Action
Speakers at the protest accused Santu Larma and his group of using ill-gotten money from crime to intimidate local tribals and manipulate the political landscape. They strongly demanded:
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Immediate arrest of PCJSS (Santu) operatives in India.
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A formal ban on the group under Indian anti-terror laws.
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Deportation of all foreign cadres to Bangladesh.
The protest represents a significant turning point in Tripura’s civil response to cross-border insurgency, with calls for increased surveillance and stronger border security cooperation with Bangladesh.
Security Implications
The allegations, if proven true, underscore a serious national security threat. The rise of foreign armed groups using India as a safe haven to operate criminal networks across international borders could have grave implications for regional peace and stability.
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As the memorandum awaits action from the Chief Minister and Home Ministry, the people of Tripura have sent a clear and unified message: India’s sovereignty cannot be compromised by foreign insurgents.
