Security has been intensified along sensitive stretches of the India–Bangladesh international border in Tripura following inputs about the movement of cadres from two Bangladesh-based armed groups, the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) and the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF). The measures include the imposition of a night curfew in select border areas of Gomati district to prevent infiltration and maintain public order.
According to officials, the District Magistrate of Gomati district issued an order after receiving specific intelligence from the Border Security Force (BSF) indicating apprehensions of militant movement near the border. The inputs also warned of possible stealthy infiltration by Bangladesh nationals, Rohingyas, and members of militant organisations with the intent to commit crimes, indulge in smuggling, and disturb peace in the area.
In response, the District Magistrate invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, promulgating a night curfew in certain border areas under the Karbook Sub-Division of Gomati district. The curfew will remain in force from 6 pm to 6 am until February 28, with the objective of ensuring peace and preventing activities by elements deemed inimical to public safety and security.
As per the notification, the movement of individuals carrying lathis, firearms, or any other weapons has been prohibited during curfew hours. The restriction, however, does not apply to police personnel, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and BSF personnel deployed on official duty. Government officials engaged in essential duties have also been exempted from the curfew provisions.
Residents living within 300 metres of the international border have been excluded from the restrictions, the order stated, taking into account the daily livelihood requirements of border communities.
Tripura shares an 856-kilometre-long international border with Bangladesh and is surrounded by the neighbouring country on three sides, making it particularly vulnerable to cross-border crimes, smuggling, and infiltration by hostile elements. Gomati and Dhalai districts, in particular, share borders with the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) region of southeast Bangladesh, which has a history of armed insurgency and ethnic unrest.
Security agencies have remained on alert in these districts due to past incidents involving Bangladesh-based militant groups. In June last year, Tripura Police detained 13 members of the PCJSS, including two women, after they allegedly crossed into Indian territory for medical treatment. Sources said the group had sustained injuries during armed clashes with a rival faction at Panchari in the CHT and entered India through the Raishyabari area of Dhalai district.
The PCJSS was earlier associated with the ‘Shanti Bahini’, an armed group that demanded a sovereign Chittagong Hill Tracts region for indigenous tribal communities such as Chakmas and Mogs. The armed movement formally ended following the signing of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord between the PCJSS and the Bangladesh government on December 2, 1997. However, various tribal organisations have alleged that the accord has not been fully implemented.
Recent reports have also pointed to renewed tensions in the CHT following political developments in Bangladesh in August 2024, with allegations of attacks on indigenous communities by security forces and illegal settlers. Indian Chakma leaders have reiterated demands for the full implementation of the 1997 Peace Accord to ensure the protection of tribal populations in the region.
Authorities in Tripura have said that the latest security measures are precautionary and aimed at safeguarding border areas amid evolving regional security concerns.
