BSF Opens Fire During Anti-Cannabis Operation in Sidai-Mohanpur; Tension Grips Purba Simna Area

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, September 19, 2025

Tension prevailed in Sidai-Mohanpur under Mohanpur subdivision after BSF personnel reportedly opened fire during an anti-cannabis drive on Thursday. According to local residents of Purba Simna’s Katachhara area, BSF fired two rounds in the air while assisting police in the raid.

Local sources claimed that although police officials instructed BSF not to open fire, they distinctly heard the sound of two rounds being fired. Sources said the firing took place when a suspected cannabis cultivator allegedly attacked security forces with a machete, prompting BSF to retaliate with warning shots. No injuries were reported.

The incident sparked unrest in the area, and Sidai police have registered a case in connection with the clash. However, no arrests have been made so far.

Locals reported that during the joint operation, attackers used arrows and stones against BSF and police personnel. While there were no casualties, the sudden suspension of the operation midway created controversy and raised questions about the enforcement agencies’ preparedness.

Police sources said that under the leadership of Sidai Police Station Officer-in-Charge Himadri Sarkar, the joint team of police and BSF destroyed nearly 50,000 cannabis plants in the Purba Simna hills during Thursday morning’s raid.

It may be recalled that security forces, including the SDPO and Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Mohanpur, had earlier faced repeated attacks during similar anti-cannabis operations in the area. Despite mounting pressure, local sources admit that political backing of cannabis cultivators has made it difficult to take stringent action against the growers.

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