Amid smuggling cases, tension flares on Assam-Tripura border

The Assam-Tripura border has recently become a hotspot for rising tensions, mainly due to increased smuggling activities. A disturbing incident took place on September 2 when the Assam Police faced an angry mob in Tripura. These escalating tensions culminated in a traffic jam along the alternate national highway NH 208.
According to unnamed sources, sources close to the situation revealed that the disturbing incident took place when a vehicle loaded with timber illegally entered Tripura from Assam late on the night of September 1. Reportedly, a criminal gang forcefully commandeered the vehicle, leaving the Tripura police powerless to intervene.
To add to the problem, the gate along the route was closed after 9 pm, effectively preventing passenger vehicles from passing through. However, the focus of concern revolves around reports that drug-laden cars and trucks laden with illegal goods are sneaking into Tripura at night, according to sources, suspicious of local criminal gangs.
Significantly, there was an altercation at the Jharjhar post with Badrul Haque, allegedly a member of the border trade mafia. The clash started when Assam lawyer Kamrul Pasha Chowdhary openly discussed the illegal trade of cement smuggling.
During the heated exchange, Chowdhury was assaulted, prompting the Assam Police to try to arrest Badrul at the Jherjheri checkpoint inside Tripura. However, Badrul managed to evade capture, prompting Assam Police officers to enter the Tripura area in pursuit.
When they tried to detain Badrul, the Assam Police officers faced fierce resistance from the villagers, resulting in injuries to two officers, who were pelted with stones and shoes.
Local residents of Tripura have questioned why the Assam Police tried to arrest Badrul without prior intimation to the Tripura Police. The incident mobilized people living along the Assam-Tripura border, who besieged the Jherjheri post. Due to which the traffic on this critical road has come to a standstill.