Agartala, January 03, 2025: The resurgence of banned militant groups in Deo Valley in the northern district and Longai Valley & Longtharai Valley in Dhalai district has created widespread panic among the residents of these rural and remote areas. Local sources informed that these groups are taking advantage of the political unrest in Bangladesh and receiving direct cooperation from the Yunus administration to become active in the Indo-Bangla border areas.
Contractors involved in government work in remote areas have reported receiving threats demanding large sums of money. As a result, many contractors have stopped work and left the area. Several contractors have lodged complaints with the police, but the state’s top police administration appears to be in a deep slumber regarding this issue. Contractors have also submitted written complaints to the department, announcing their decision to halt government work. Consequently, government construction work in various branches of the R&D department, DWS, and Public Works department has come to a standstill.
A contractor, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that terrorist groups are frequently demanding large sums of money through mobile phone voice messages or WhatsApp calls. “They claim that we have to pay a contribution of ten percent of the work as per the government work order. Otherwise, the work will be stopped,” the contractor said. The terrorists are threatening contractors with dire consequences if they disobey their orders. When asked to identify themselves, the militants provide various photos of themselves wearing olive-colored clothes and holding automatic weapons through WhatsApp.
This situation has led to contractors in remote areas like Bhandarima, Chhaygarpur, Pushparampara, Bijoykumar, Shaikar, Shermun One, Shermun Two, Khasitai, Anandabazar, Satnala, Dasda and others refusing to work at the risk of their lives. Drivers from the plains are also afraid to transport goods to the hilly areas. As a result, workers and builders involved in construction work are facing significant challenges.
These areas are known to be sensitive on the India-Bangladesh border, and there has been a lack of security for a long time. During the Left regime, security was strengthened by setting up TSR camps in all these remote areas, preventing terrorist groups from committing any crimes since 2008. However, the current situation on the India-Bangladesh border is tense. The turbulent politics of Bangladesh and the direct cooperation of the UNP administration have enabled militant groups to make threats in the name of earning money. It is reported that these groups have started importing illegal weapons from Bangladesh. Border sources indicate that the Bangladesh government administration is providing firearms to youths at low prices.
The police personnel are also feeling a lack of security due to shortage of forces. It is worth noting that no enemy organization has been able to sabotage for a long decade. However, if security is not strengthened, there is a fear that the militant groups may start to flourish at any time. Despite the barbed wire fence, the border remains open in some places, allowing the militants to easily organize crimes on the other side and move to Bangladesh. If security is not enhanced in sensitive areas, there is a fear of creating a jungle kingdom again.
Meanwhile, due to the lack of police operations against the terrorists, these groups are increasing their strength day by day. Despite the growing threat, the police administration has not yet taken significant action. The situation is becoming increasingly complicated, and various remote areas of Kanchanpur subdivision are becoming deserted after evening due to fear of militant forces. Government employees and common people are spending their days in insecurity.
