Agartala, January 03: Widespread terror among the people living in Deo Valley in the northern district and Longai Valley and Longtharai Valley in Dhalai district has resulted from the comeback of outlawed militant groups. Local reports told that these gangs are operating in the Indo-Bangla border areas using the political upheaval in Bangladesh and direct assistance from the Yunus government.
Government contractors working in far-off locations have claimed receiving threats demanding big amounts of money. Many builders have therefore ceased working and fled the area. Although several contractors have complained to the police, the highest police agency of the state seems to be asleep about this matter. Contractors have also written grievances to the department declaring their intention to stop government operations. Government building projects in several areas of the R&D departments, DWS, and Public Works departments have so stagnated.
A contractor who wanted to remain anonymous said that terrorist groups regularly demand big amounts of money via WhatsApp calls or cell phone voice messages. “They say we have to make a 10 percent payment for single government work order. Otherwise, the contractor remarked, the work will stop. Should contractors defy their instructions, the terrorists are threatening them with terrible results. When requested to identify themselves, the militants provide several pictures of themselves sporting olive-colored attire and carrying automatic weapons on WhatsApp.
Contractors in remote locations such Bhandarima, Chhaygarpur, Pushparampara, Bijoykumar, Shaikar, Shermun One, Shermun Two, Khasitai, Anandabazar, Satnala, Dasda and others have refused to work at risk of their life under this circumstances. Plainsmen drivers also hesitate to move products to mountainous regions. Workers and builders engaged in construction activity are thus confronting major difficulties.
Long-standing security has been lacking in these locations, which are known to be sensitive on the India-Bangladesh border. Establishing TSR camps in all these far-off regions and stopping terrorist groups from committing any crimes since 2008 helped to boost security during the Left government. Still, the situation at the India-Bangladesh border is delicate right now. Direct UNP administrative cooperation and the volatile politics of Bangladesh have allowed insurgent groups to threaten others under the pretext of financial gain. These groups allegedly began bringing illegal firearms from Bangladesh. According to border sources, young people in Bangladesh are getting low-priced weapons from their government.
Lack of forces is also making the police officers less secure. Notably, no opposing group has been able to undermine for ten years or more. On the other hand, should security be weak, there is concern that the violent organizations could proliferate at any moment. The border stays open in some areas despite the barbed wire fence, which lets the militants easily plan atrocities on the other side and travel to Bangladesh. Should security be neglected in sensitive places, one worries about once more establishing a jungle kingdom.
These gangs are daily growing stronger while police activities against the terrorists are lacking. The cops have not yet acted much in spite of the increasing danger. The scenario is getting more complex, and several isolated parts of Kanchanpur subdivision are deserted after evening due to militant force concern. Common folks and government workers spend their days in uncertainty.
