Agartala, 29th May 2026: Growing concerns over border security have surfaced in several areas of Kailashahar subdivision in Tripura’s Unakoti district amid reports of deteriorating barbed-wire fencing along the India-Bangladesh border. The issue has triggered anxiety among local residents, especially against the backdrop of the ongoing political instability in neighbouring Bangladesh.
Residents of border-adjacent areas, particularly near the Old Dak Bungalow in Kailashahar, alleged that large stretches of the barbed-wire fencing have rusted and collapsed over time. Similar conditions have reportedly been observed in several other border pockets of the subdivision. In some locations, the fencing is said to be completely damaged, while in others temporary support structures made of bamboo poles and tin sheets have been used to keep the fencing standing.
Locals fear that the weakened fencing is creating opportunities for illegal infiltration and smuggling activities. They claimed that infiltrators are taking advantage of vulnerable stretches of the border, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of existing security arrangements.
Although Border Security Force personnel have intensified surveillance in various sectors and floodlights have been installed along sensitive stretches, residents alleged that illegal infiltration and cross-border smuggling have not been fully brought under control.
Amid these concerns, Unakoti District Magistrate Megha Jain (IAS) and Superintendent of Police Sudhambika R (IPS) recently conducted a joint inspection of several international border areas in the district. During the visit, the officials inspected Border Out Posts, reviewed the condition of fencing in sensitive zones and interacted with local residents regarding security-related concerns.
According to police sources, the district administration and security agencies are jointly working to strengthen surveillance, increase patrolling and maintain strict vigilance in vulnerable areas to curb infiltration and smuggling activities.
Local residents have demanded immediate and permanent repair of damaged fencing and the adoption of modern technology-based surveillance systems to ensure stronger border security in the region.
