Maoist attack feared in Tripura, security beefed up

Maoist attack feared in Tripura, security beefed up

AGARTALA, April 12: Security has been beefed up in Tripura following an alert issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in the wake of the Maoist attack at Dantewada in Chhattisgarh last week. Official sources here today said all the security forces in Tripura had been put on high alert while being asked to conduct search and frisking in city areas and Tripura State Rifles (TSR) was instructed to take the lead role in the counter-insurgency campaign. ‘’We have already intensified counter-insurgency operation with the announcement of election to Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) to be held on May 3 and MHA directives after the Chhattisgarh incident have asked us to be on alert,’’ police said.

They said Assam Rifles and CRPF personnel posted in Tripura were on an all-out offensive against militant groups which are a threat to the state’s peace and harmony. ‘’Though we do not apprehend much trouble this time during the ADC polls, but reports indicate that some groups are trying to sneak into the state from across the border. We are taking all necessary steps to ensure free and fair elections,’’ said a police official, adding the BSF had already been alerted to step up vigil along the border. (Agencies)