Tight security in Tripura for Durga Puja celebrations

AGARTALA - It’s festive season in the northeastern state of Tripura, with colourful and artistic marquees and prayers amid beating of drums as the state celebrates Durga Puja. On the occasion, the state government, combating insurgency, has heightened security to foil any subversive attempt.

“The Border Security Force (BSF) has also been asked to maintain close watch on the India-Bangladesh border to prevent any trans-border movement and to ensure the festival is free of any untoward incident,” Inspector General of Police (law and order) K. Nagraj told reporters here Thursday.

Over 12,000 security personnel and quick reaction teams (QRTs) besides bomb and dog squads have been deployed in this bordering state for the five-day festival that began Wednesday. Several watch-towers have been set up in the capital city.

“Counter-insurgency operation against the outlawed militants would be intensified by Assam Rifles, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Tripura State Rifles (TSR) in the terrorist prone areas,” Nagraj said.

“Intelligence networks have been activated, police pickets, and mobile and foot patrolling would be conducted during the festival,” the police officer said.

“Police have also provided training to the private security personnel and volunteers to control crowd and keep a close watch on the situation.”

At least 2,000 community Durga Pujas have been organised in the state.

“Unlike previous years, there are no reports about tribal guerrillas creating problems or asking people not to organise the puja,” the IGP said.

Despite incidents in the past when rebels targeted Hindus for celebrating religious festivals, pujas are being organised in about 300 tribal and extremist-prone areas this year, according to a police official.

For uninterrupted power supply during the festive season, Tripura is importing power from neighbouring Mizoram and Meghalaya, where the number of Durga Pujas is much less than Tripura as they are Christian-dominated states.