The Tripura Police on Tuesday night detained 13 Bangladeshi nationals suspected to be linked with the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS), a political outfit operating in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region of Bangladesh. The detentions were made in Hapania, under West Tripura district, close to the international border.
According to official sources, the individuals were apprehended during a late-night operation based on specific intelligence inputs. The arrested persons are being interrogated to ascertain their motive, routes of entry. And possible connections to insurgent or separatist activities in the region.
Detention in Sensitive Border Zone
Hapania, located near the India-Bangladesh border, has witnessed heightened surveillance over the years due to occasional infiltration attempts and smuggling activities. The arrest of 13 foreign nationals in a single raid has raised security concerns among the local administration and intelligence agencies.
A senior police official confirmed that all detained individuals were unable to produce valid travel documents such as passports or visas, strongly indicating illegal infiltration. “Preliminary interrogation suggests that they crossed the border illegally and have possible affiliations with the PCJSS,” he said.
The PCJSS has long been associated with ethnic political movements in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh. While the outfit claims to represent indigenous interests, it has often been accused of carrying out armed resistance. And maintaining links with underground networks.
Intelligence Agencies Begin In-Depth Interrogation
Top intelligence and counter-insurgency units from both Tripura and central agencies have joined the investigation. Authorities are focusing on whether the individuals had crossed over for ideological, logistical, or operational reasons.
Officials are also probing if the group had planned to establish sleeper cells or recruit sympathizers within India. “We are examining mobile phones, documents, and digital devices seized from the detained group. Digital footprints and call records may lead us to broader networks,” an intelligence officer revealed.
This development comes amid renewed efforts by India’s eastern border states to reinforce border management and internal security. With the monsoon season setting in, border areas often become vulnerable due to difficult terrain and relaxed vigilance.
Political and Diplomatic Implications
The detainment of PCJSS-linked individuals may also have diplomatic ramifications. The Tripura government is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Agartala. Efforts are underway to confirm the identities and home addresses of the arrested persons.
Tripura shares an 856-km-long porous border with Bangladesh, a significant portion of which remains vulnerable due to its hilly terrain and forest cover. Security experts have repeatedly highlighted the region’s susceptibility to cross-border infiltration and militant hideouts.
Local Authorities Heighten Vigilance
In response to the incident, West Tripura District Magistrate has called for increased border patrolling and installation of additional surveillance systems. Residents of border villages have also been urged to report suspicious movement and cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
The police have also appealed to local youth and village committees not to fall prey to any cross-border influences or ideological propaganda.
Learn more about Tripura’s border security initiatives.
For background on India-Bangladesh border management, visit the Ministry of External Affairs.
You can also read related news:
Tripura Police Enhance Surveillance at International Border
Bangladesh Political Outfits and Indian Security Concerns
A Call for Vigilance and Policy Review
The detainment of 13 Bangladesh nationals with alleged links to PCJSS serves as a stark reminder of the complexities along India’s eastern frontier. As Tripura continues to modernize its infrastructure and boost tourism, the need for robust security frameworks becomes even more critical.
Security analysts are urging both the Centre and the state government to update intelligence-sharing protocols, deploy advanced monitoring systems, and foster regional cooperation with Bangladesh to prevent such breaches.
Stay updated with developments at tripura.gov.in.
