Agartala, 10 April (HS): In response to rising concerns over election-related violence, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved the deployment of 24 companies of central paramilitary forces for the upcoming Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections.

Officials confirmed on Friday that four companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have already reached the state, while the remaining 20 are expected to arrive shortly. The sanctioned forces are being deployed to reinforce security in sensitive and tribal-dominated regions ahead of polling.

Each CAPF company typically consists of around 100 to 135 personnel. The central forces, including units from the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Special Security Group (SSG), will supplement the existing deployment of approximately 11,000 security personnel already engaged in election duties across Tripura.

Security measures have been intensified after authorities identified 311 out of 1,257 polling stations as highly critical. The move comes in the backdrop of reported violence at nearly 40 locations across the state since the announcement of the council elections.

Chief Minister Manik Saha, addressing recent campaign rallies, issued a strong warning against any attempts to disrupt the electoral process. He asserted that the government would not tolerate the use of force, threats, or intimidation to influence the outcome of the tribal council elections.

The elections to the 28-member TTAADC are scheduled to be held on April 12, with counting of votes set for April 17. The polls are being closely monitored, given their significance in shaping the political dynamics of tribal regions in the state.

Earlier this week, the Chief Minister also released the BJP’s manifesto for the council elections, outlining key promises focused on tribal welfare and regional development. These include proposals for recognition of Kokborok and other tribal languages, development initiatives for Khumulwng and the establishment of a medical college if the party comes to power in the council.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash