The Tripura government’s reported decision to withdraw 61 Tripura State Rifles (TSR) camps from different locations in the state has triggered tension.
The process of withdrawing the security camps has already been started.
A.K. Sukla, Tripura director general of police (DGP), issued an order on October 24 to withdraw the TSR camps within 15 days.
However, the people of the areas, where these camps are located, have opposed this decision of the government.
The locals have observed road blockades in protest against the decision.
The locals are not happy at the government decision ahead of the crucial Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (ADC) election slated early next year.
In Raishyabari, the bid to withdraw the TSR camp failed due to massive agitation by the locals.
Tripura witnessed a long period of insurgency.
In view of growing insurgency in Tripura during 1980s, the Tripura government decided to form a security force in the line of Central Para Military Force (CPMF).
To carry out anti-insurgency operations, the TSR was raised following enactment of the Tripura State Rifles Act, 1983.
On the basis of the Act, the 1st Battalion of TSR came into existence on March 12, 1984.
Later, the Tripura Police started establishing TSR camps in the insurgency-hit areas and battalions of the force were increased.
Currently, Tripura has 12 battalions of TSR.
Out of 61 camps to be withdrawn, the highest 22 camps fall in Dhalai district, which was severely affected due to insurgency.
The lowest, single TSR camp is in South Tripura district.
As per the order, the TSR personnel posted in these camps, will now be posted in the nearby security camps that may be run by the Assam Rifles, CRPF or BSF.
The opposition CPI(M) also slammed state government for the decision.
CPI(M) state secretary Goutam Das said, “It is a conspiracy to withdraw the security camps before the Autonomous District Council election.”