Agartala, Sep 24 (Inditop.com) It’s festival time in Tripura, with colourful marquees and prayers amid beating of drums. At the same time the state government, scarred by years of insurgency, has heightened security for Durga Puja to thwart any terror attack.
“The Border Security Force (BSF) has also been asked to maintain close watch on the India-Bangladesh border to prevent any kind of trans-border movement and to ensure the festival time is free of any untoward incidents,” Director General of Police Pranay Sahaya told reporters here Thursday.
Over 10,000 security personnel, including paramilitary forces and quick reaction teams (QRTs), have been deployed in this northeastern state for the five-day festival that began Thursday.
“Counter insurgency operation against the outlawed militants would be intensified by Assam Rifles, CRPF (central reserve police force) and Tripura State Rifles (TSR) in the terrorist prone areas,” Sahaya said.
“Intelligence networks have been activated, police pickets, mobile and foot patrolling would be conducted during the five day festival,” the officer said.
“Police would also provide training to the volunteers of the puja organisers to control crowds and keep a close watch on the situation.”
According to the police chief, at least 1,953 community Durga Pujas are being organised across the state, including 1,075 in western Tripura. The number of Durga Puja committees has increased in the rural areas this time, he said.
“Unlike previous years, there are no reports from anywhere in the state about tribal guerrillas creating problems or asking people not to organise Durga Puja,” Sahaya said.
Despite incidents in the past when rebels targeted Hindus for celebrating religious festivals, pujas are being organised in about 200 tribal and extremist dominated areas this year, according to a police official.
