Agartala, February 16, 2026: Tipra Motha has strongly opposed the proposed establishment of the headquarters of the 49th battalion of the Border Security Force in Sepahijala district, alleging that the move is being undertaken without considering the views of local residents.

In protest against the plan, Umashankar Debbarma, a Member of the District Council (MDC) of the Tripura Tribal Area Autonomous District Council, sat on a dharna near the entrance of the Sepahijala District Magistrate’s office on Monday. The protest was organised against the proposed construction of the BSF headquarters in the Barjala and Chikanchhara areas under Bishramganj Nagar Panchayat, as well as in the Bishramganj area.

Several workers and supporters of the Tipra Motha joined the sit-in alongside the MDC. Speaking to the media, Umashankar Debbarma said the initiative to establish the BSF headquarters was being taken by ignoring the opinions and concerns of the local people, which, he asserted, would not be accepted under any circumstances. He further stated that the dharna would continue until the issue is permanently resolved.

Following information about the protest, Rajib Sutradhar, Additional Superintendent of Police of Sepahijala district, along with Ajit Debbarma, Officer-in-Charge of Bishramganj police station, reached the spot. The police requested the MDC and protesters to move away from the entrance of the District Magistrate’s office, citing legal provisions that prohibit dharna or sit-in protests within 100 metres of the office.

The situation remained tense for some time, though no untoward incident was reported. Eventually, the protesters continued their dharna at the site. Attention is now focused on whether the district administration will initiate talks with the protesters to address their concerns over the proposed BSF headquarters.