Tripura Assembly Speaker Biswa Bandhu Sen voiced grave concern over the rising menace of drug abuse and deteriorating law and order in Dharmanagar. During a recent address at an administrative meeting in his home constituency, he urged authorities to intensify action and restore public confidence.
The remarks have sparked wide discussions in the state, especially in North Tripura district, where a visible spike in narcotics trafficking and youth addiction has become a growing problem.
Read More: Assam to evict 2,000 families from Golaghat’s Rengma forest
A Deepening Crisis in North Tripura
Dharmanagar, located near the Tripura-Assam border, has long remained vulnerable to smuggling routes. However, over the past year, police have reported a significant surge in drug-related cases involving yaba tablets, brown sugar, cannabis, and other narcotic substances.
Speaker Sen, alarmed by this disturbing trend, highlighted the urgency of the situation. “Our youths are falling victim to addiction. We cannot afford to remain silent spectators,” he said. He added that both government and civil society must work hand in hand to combat the drug trade.
Enforcement Must Be Firm, Says Speaker
Sen demanded that police and excise officials crack down more aggressively on drug peddlers and transporters. “These criminals are not just destroying individual lives but also destabilizing peace and law in the district,” he warned.
He also pointed out gaps in surveillance at key transit points like Churaibari, suggesting that law enforcement deploy more checkpoints and intelligence-gathering units. In addition, he emphasized the need to monitor frequent offenders and extend police-community cooperation.
“The entire machinery needs to function like a unit. If we delay action now, we risk losing another generation,” the Speaker warned.
Law and Order Also Under Scanner
Apart from the drug issue, Sen raised red flags about law and order in Dharmanagar. Residents have increasingly reported street crimes, local extortion attempts, and youth violence in semi-urban areas.
While praising the efforts of local officers, he noted that some miscreants were managing to evade justice repeatedly, which pointed to loopholes in procedural enforcement. “Police cannot operate in fear or under political pressure. Their authority must be respected,” he stated.
He recommended regular coordination meetings between the administration, police, and elected representatives to maintain order and detect early signs of unrest.
Call for Rehabilitation and Public Support
While enforcement was central to his appeal, Speaker Sen also stressed the importance of rehabilitation. He said that young addicts need treatment, not punishment, and urged the health department to scale up de-addiction programs.
He also appealed to families to report suspicious behavior and support their children in recovering from addiction. “Parents must stay alert. Early signs can be spotted. Schools too must play a bigger role in awareness,” he said.
As part of his outreach, the Speaker hinted at the possibility of launching district-level anti-drug campaigns with the help of NGOs and social workers.
Community Leaders Express Support
Following the Speaker’s address, several local panchayat heads and community leaders expressed support for his position. Many admitted that drug use had reached alarming proportions in schools and colleges.
Rajib Das, a local social activist, remarked, “The Speaker has said what everyone is thinking. If we don’t tackle this now, even rural areas will become unsafe.” He also stressed on the role of spiritual and cultural groups in keeping the youth positively engaged.
Recent Actions Against Drug Smugglers
Tripura Police, especially in the northern districts, have recently launched several anti-narcotics drives. Over the past three months, multiple arrests have been made, including seizures of contraband worth crores of rupees.
Still, the Speaker emphasized that a few arrests alone will not curb the problem. “This network is deep-rooted. We need sustained surveillance and a focused approach,” he insisted. He also asked for more coordination with Assam and Mizoram police to track inter-state drug routes.
Government’s Stand on the Issue
The Tripura government has identified drug abuse as a top concern. Chief Minister Manik Saha earlier promised a ‘zero tolerance’ policy on narcotics and directed all district administrations to strengthen anti-drug operations.
Speaker Sen’s strong remarks now serve as a reinforcement of that stand from within the Assembly’s leadership. Sources close to the Chief Minister said the government would take note of the Speaker’s concerns and discuss additional measures in upcoming cabinet meetings.
A Wake-Up Call for Dharmanagar
The Speaker’s warning, while stern, also reflects the care of a leader toward his constituency. Dharmanagar has seen remarkable progress in education and infrastructure in recent years. But unchecked drug abuse and growing unrest threaten to derail those gains.
Residents now expect the administration to act with urgency. “We hope Speaker Biswa Bandhu Sen’s words will bring real change. Our children deserve a safe, healthy future,” said Madhabi Paul, a resident of Chandrapur locality.
Read More: Arunachal unveils ₹6,519 cr power sector revamp to cut losses