BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 28th April 2025: Tension gripped the Belonia Ballamukha border area today after Tipra Motha activists staged a massive protest against the alleged illegal construction of a dam by Bangladesh authorities, in violation of the International Boundary Delimitation Act.
Hundreds of Tipra Motha supporters gathered on the north bank of Bankar, with activists pouring in from various parts of Tripura to register their anger. As the crowd tried to move towards the Ballamukha border to protest, a scuffle broke out with security forces deployed at the spot. Police, high-ranking BSF officials, and other security personnel rushed to the scene upon receiving information about the gathering.
The situation turned tense when the protesters attempted to approach the under-construction dam site, leading to confrontations with the BSF and police. Protesters also demanded the resignation of Yunus, who heads the caretaker government in Bangladesh, accusing him of violating international norms.
Former Tipra Motha chief and MDC, Pradyot Kishore Debbarman, took to social media to express his outrage. “Thousands of Tipra Motha workers have been stopped by BSF at Belonia. Had they not been stopped, the illegal construction by Bangladesh could have been demolished today itself,” he wrote. He further warned, “Only a green signal is needed for the Tipra youth — we will handle the rest.”
The construction of the dam by Bangladesh on the contested stretch of the border has raised serious concerns among local communities, who fear the move could alter the natural flow of water and impact border demarcations.
Authorities have stepped up security in the area to prevent any escalation, even as the Tipra Motha leadership hinted at intensifying their agitation if the construction work is not halted immediately.
Further updates are awaited as the situation remains volatile.
