Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has asked the central government to take urgent steps to repair the damaged wire fencing along the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura. The appeal, made during a recent administrative review meeting, comes in response to growing concerns over cross-border movement and security in vulnerable border districts.
The Tripura border fencing issue has become increasingly serious in recent months, with sections of the barbed-wire fence either vandalized or deteriorated due to heavy rains and lack of maintenance.
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CM Flags Security, Smuggling Concerns
During the high-level meeting with senior officials and local leaders in Agartala, CM Saha highlighted the risks posed by broken fencing in areas like Sepahijala, Unakoti, and South Tripura.
“These broken stretches allow easy infiltration, illegal trade, and smuggling of narcotics,” CM Saha said. “We need immediate support from the Centre to secure our borders and ensure peace in border villages.”
Local police have reported a rise in illegal movement across the border, with residents in some villages expressing fear over late-night crossings and suspicious activity.
Key Border Areas Left Vulnerable
Tripura shares an 856-kilometer border with Bangladesh, of which over 90% has already been fenced. However, due to floods, soil erosion, and theft of fencing material, several key stretches remain vulnerable.
According to officials, more than 20 kilometers of fencing in the South Tripura and Sepahijala districts need urgent repairs. “These gaps are not just administrative lapses — they are threats to national security,” said a senior officer from the Border Security Force (BSF).
CM Saha’s appeal to the Union Home Ministry includes a request for funds and deployment of specialized border construction units to complete the work before the monsoon intensifies.
Centre’s Response Expected Soon
Sources within the Ministry of Home Affairs have indicated that the issue is under active review. “Tripura’s border vulnerability is a serious matter, and we are in talks with the National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) to assess the repair needs,” a senior official said.
The state government is also in touch with the BSF and Public Works Department (PWD) to chart out a technical plan and timeline for quick restoration.
Residents Demand Faster Action
In villages such as Kalamchoura and Manu, residents are growing restless. “The broken fencing means we are exposed,” said Dhananjoy Sutradhar, a farmer near the border in Sepahijala. “Strangers move around our village at night, and police can’t catch them all.”
Several village panchayats have submitted memoranda to the Chief Minister and district collectors, demanding stronger patrols and faster fencing repairs.
Local NGOs working on border community welfare say that delays in fencing also affect access to essential services, as some areas become restricted or unsafe during tense cross-border incidents.
Tripura Border Fencing a Long-Standing Issue
Tripura has faced border security challenges for years. While the state enjoys friendly relations with Bangladesh, poor fencing has often allowed illegal activities to continue unchecked.
Smuggling of cannabis, cattle, and contraband goods has increased in regions where fencing is incomplete. Security experts say that repairing these gaps is crucial not only for local safety but also for national interest.
“We are not just talking about wires and posts. This is about safeguarding lives and sovereignty,” said border analyst Ranjan Debnath.
Political Reactions and Bipartisan Support
While opposition parties in Tripura welcomed the CM’s initiative, they also criticized the delay in raising the issue. CPI(M) leader Jitendra Chaudhury said, “The border situation has been poor for a long time. It’s good the CM has finally spoken up, but we expect follow-up action.”
Meanwhile, BJP leaders reiterated their full support to the Chief Minister’s stand. “This is not about politics — it’s about the safety of our people,” said BJP spokesperson Nabendu Bhattacharjee.
Next Steps: Awaiting Centre’s Green Light
As the monsoon season approaches, the urgency surrounding Tripura border fencing increases. CM Saha has directed state officials to stay in regular contact with central agencies and expedite the submission of technical reports.
He also instructed the BSF to increase patrolling and surveillance in the unfenced regions until the restoration is complete.
The border villages, meanwhile, continue to hope that their voices will result in prompt and visible action — before the situation worsens.
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