Security has been heightened along sensitive stretches of the India–Bangladesh border in Tripura following intelligence inputs suggesting possible movement of cadres belonging to two Bangladesh-based armed groups — the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) and the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), officials said on Saturday.

Acting on inputs received from the Border Security Force (BSF), Gomati district magistrate Rinku Lather imposed a night curfew in select border areas under the Karbook sub-division. The curfew has been enforced under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, and will remain in force from 6 pm to 6 am until February 28.

Officials said the move was aimed at preventing infiltration and maintaining public order in the border areas.

Apprehension of infiltration and criminal activity

According to the district administration, the decision was taken amid concerns that militants, along with Bangladesh nationals, Rohingyas and members of extremist outfits, could attempt stealthy infiltration across the international border. Such movements, officials warned, could be linked to criminal activities, smuggling and actions capable of disturbing peace in the region.

Under the curfew order, carrying firearms, lathis or any other weapons has been prohibited. However, personnel of the police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Border Security Force deployed on duty have been exempted from the restrictions. Government officials and security personnel have also been excluded from the curfew provisions.

In addition, residents living within 300 metres of the international border have been exempted from the restrictions, the notification clarified.

Strategic vulnerability of the border

Tripura shares an 856-km-long international border with Bangladesh and is surrounded by the neighbouring country on three sides, making it particularly vulnerable to cross-border crimes and illegal movement. Gomati and Dhalai districts share borders with the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) region of southeast Bangladesh, an area that has witnessed prolonged unrest.

The latest alert comes in the backdrop of an incident in June last year, when Tripura Police detained 13 members of the PCJSS, including two women, after they allegedly crossed into Indian territory from Bangladesh. Sources said the group had sustained injuries during armed clashes with a rival faction in Panchari in the CHT and entered India through Raishyabari in Dhalai district to seek medical treatment.

History of the PCJSS and CHT unrest

The PCJSS was earlier associated with the ‘Shanti Bahini’, an armed outfit that waged a prolonged insurgency demanding a sovereign Chittagong Hill Tracts for indigenous communities such as the Chakmas and Mogs. The conflict formally ended with the signing of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord between the PCJSS and the Bangladesh government on December 2, 1997.

However, tribal groups have repeatedly alleged that several key provisions of the accord remain unimplemented.

Reports of renewed tension in the CHT have surfaced following political developments in Bangladesh last year, with tribal organisations alleging attacks on indigenous communities by security forces and illegal settlers. Indian Chakma leaders have also renewed demands for the full implementation of the 1997 peace accord to ensure the protection of tribal populations in the region.

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