Tripura State Rifles (TSR) deployed to West Bengal after Assam polls to strengthen election security. Elite TSR units, known for counter-insurgency expertise, will ensure peaceful voting across districts during the upcoming two-phase West Bengal Assembly elections.
In a move aimed at strengthening election security, the elite Tripura State Rifles (TSR) has been redeployed to poll-bound West Bengal following the completion of assembly elections in Assam. Officials confirmed on Saturday that the highly trained force will play a crucial role in ensuring peaceful and secure polling across the state.
According to a senior police official, ten companies of TSR personnel—comprising 778 trained personnel—were initially deployed in Assam after a request from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). These companies were part of the central forces assigned to maintain law and order during the Assam Assembly elections held on April 9.
Following the completion of polling duties in Assam, the TSR units began their movement to West Bengal on Friday night and are expected to be stationed across multiple districts by Saturday. “After reaching West Bengal, the TSR troops will be deployed strategically across different districts to assist in election-related security arrangements,” the official said.
West Bengal, which has a 294-member Legislative Assembly, is gearing up for elections in two phases—scheduled for April 23 and April 29. Vote counting will take place on May 4. Given the state’s history of politically sensitive elections, the deployment of central forces like TSR is seen as essential to maintain peace and prevent any untoward incidents.
The official further clarified that two ad-hoc battalions of TSR, each consisting of five companies, were initially stationed in Assam and have now been reassigned to West Bengal. These battalions are being led by senior commandants Amarjit Debbarma and Alok Bhattacharjee, both experienced officers in handling election security operations.
The MHA had earlier requested the Tripura government to provide 25 TSR companies for deployment across Assam and West Bengal. However, the state government expressed its inability to release such a large contingent due to its own pressing electoral commitments. These included the politically significant Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council elections held on April 12 and a by-election in the Dharmanagar Assembly constituency conducted on April 9.
Despite these constraints, the TSR managed to contribute significantly by deploying available personnel without compromising internal security arrangements. The force currently comprises 14 battalions, of which 11 are designated as India Reserve Battalions, making them eligible for deployment anywhere in the country as required by the MHA.
The Tripura State Rifles has built a strong reputation over the years for its professionalism and operational efficiency. Trained extensively in counter-insurgency operations, TSR personnel have played a pivotal role in curbing insurgency in the northeastern region, particularly in Tripura, where decades-long militancy was significantly reduced due to their efforts.
Their experience in election duties is equally notable. During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, TSR units were deployed across several states, including Maharashtra, Bihar, Odisha, and Himachal Pradesh. Their role has consistently been to ensure peaceful voting, secure polling stations, and assist local law enforcement agencies.
Beyond election duties, TSR has also been entrusted with high-profile security assignments. The force contributed to security arrangements during the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi and continues to serve in strategic deployments. Two TSR battalions are currently stationed in the national capital under the Delhi Police since 2019, while another is deployed with South Eastern Coalfields Limited in Chhattisgarh since 2022.
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Additionally, TSR personnel are providing security to critical infrastructure such as drilling sites of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation in Tripura, highlighting their versatility and importance in national security operations.
As West Bengal prepares for its crucial Assembly elections, the presence of TSR is expected to enhance voter confidence and contribute to a transparent and peaceful democratic process.
