Tension gripped Sidai-Mohanpur under Mohanpur subdivision on Thursday after Border Security Force (BSF) personnel allegedly opened fire during a joint anti-cannabis operation. The incident occurred in the Purba Simna’s Katachhara area, where BSF was assisting police in destroying illegal cannabis cultivation.
According to local accounts, two rounds were fired in the air despite instructions from police officials not to open fire. Witnesses claimed the firing happened when a suspected cultivator allegedly attacked security forces with a machete, leading BSF personnel to retaliate with warning shots. No injuries were reported from the incident.
The sudden gunfire created panic in the locality, triggering unrest among residents. Following the clash, Sidai police registered a case, though no arrests have been made so far.
During the operation, locals reported that attackers used arrows and stones against the joint team of BSF and police. Although there were no casualties, the abrupt suspension of the drive midway sparked controversy and raised concerns over the preparedness of enforcement agencies in handling such resistance.
Police sources confirmed that under the leadership of Sidai Police Station Officer-in-Charge Himadri Sarkar, nearly 50,000 cannabis plants were destroyed in the Purba Simna hill area during Thursday morning’s raid. The large-scale destruction highlighted the scale of illegal cannabis cultivation in the region.
This is not the first time law enforcement agencies have faced hostility during such drives. Security forces, including the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Mohanpur, had earlier come under attack in similar operations. Despite repeated crackdowns, local sources admit that the political influence enjoyed by cultivators has made it difficult for authorities to take strong action against them.
The incident has once again brought the focus on the challenges faced by enforcement agencies in curbing illegal cannabis cultivation in Tripura. While the destruction of 50,000 plants marks a significant achievement, the resistance encountered underscores the need for stronger measures to ensure the safety of personnel and the continuity of operations.
Authorities are expected to review Thursday’s events to determine whether protocols were followed during the joint operation and to assess the role of BSF personnel in opening fire. The incident has added a new dimension to the ongoing battle against illicit cannabis cultivation in the state.