AGARTALA: The Border Security Force (BSF) and Tripura Police will further tighten security along the India-Bangladesh border ahead of the five-day Durga Puja festival, beginning on October 16.
Director General of Police G.S. Rao said the BSF would strengthen its vigil along the border in Tripura during the festival, while Tripura Police would step up surveillance in border villages. Tripura shares an 856-km border with Bangladesh and is surrounded on three sides by the neighbouring country.
The police will also launch a special drive against drug-related activities in Agartala and other urban areas during the festive season. Around 11,000 Tripura Police and Tripura State Rifles personnel will be deployed across the state.
For public convenience, a green corridor will be opened for ambulances and other emergency vehicles. Vehicle and two-wheeler movement will be restricted during peak hours, when large crowds visit the pandals.
The BSF and Tripura Police are jointly preparing proposals for the Smart Border Project and will implement it together, Rao said. The Home Minister has directed the BSF in Tripura, Assam and West Bengal to coordinate with district administrations, police stations, panchayats and patwaris to prevent infiltration.