Security to be tightened along Tripura border

To ensure trouble-free elections to the Tripura tribal autonomous council and in view of the current political turmoil in neighbouring Bangladesh, security along the India-Bangladesh border and inter-state border with Assam and Mizoram would be further tightened, an official said here on Friday.

Polling for the 30-seat Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) will be held on May 3.

"In view of the unrest and political turmoil in Bangladesh and upcoming polls in TTAADC, extreme vigil would be maintained by the state police and BSF (Border Security Force) along the inter-state and international borders," Inspector general of police (police control) Nepal Das told IANS.

He said: "We are keen to hold free, fair and peaceful elections in the TTAADC and also to maintain security along the state's borders to prevent entry of any inimical elements."

The official also said that the state government has asked the BSF authority to deploy additional troopers along the India-Bangladesh borders and further tighten the vigil in the frontiers.

Das said special security measures are being taken -- especially in the areas where the border is unfenced.

"BSF has been asked to intensify patrolling along the border round-the-clock. The Tripura State Rifles (TSR) have intensified operations as a second line of defence."

He said the Mobile Task Force (MTF) personnel have been deployed in several locations within Tripura to detect the presence of any illegal infiltration into the state and also for deportation of any person, if detained.

Tripura shares an 856-km border with Bangladesh and some parts of the border still remain unfenced.

The mountainous terrain, dense forests and other hindrances make the border porous and vulnerable, enabling illegal immigrants, militants and intruders cross over without any hurdle.

The northeastern state also shares a 53-km border with Assam and a 109-km border with Mizoram.