Violent Clashes Erupt in Tripura During Anti-Cannabis Drive, Police-AR Jowans Fire 40 Rounds in Air, Four Security Personnel's Injured

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, February 9, 2026

Tension and violence gripped Manikyanagar under Kalamchoura police station in Tripura’s Boxanagar under Sepahijala district on Tuesday morning after a major confrontation broke out between local cannabis cultivators and security forces during an anti-narcotics operation.

According to official sources, a joint team of Tripura Police and Assam Rifles launched an operation to destroy illegal cannabis plantations in the area. However, before the team could reach the targeted fields, a large group of local residents and cultivators blocked the road and resisted the drive, leading to a fierce clash.

The situation soon spiraled out of control as villagers allegedly began hurling bricks and stones at the security personnel. In order to disperse the violent crowd and bring the situation under control, Assam Rifles and police personnel fired nearly 40 rounds in the air as a warning.

At least four members of the security forces sustained injuries in the attack. One police constable was reported to be seriously hurt and was immediately shifted to a nearby Bishalgarh hospital for treatment. No civilian casualties have been officially confirmed so far.

Eyewitnesses claimed that women from the locality initially came forward to obstruct the operation, while men allegedly attempted to cut and hide cannabis plants from the fields to prevent their destruction.

Local residents staged strong protests, demanding legalization of cannabis cultivation in the region. Many argued that while harder drugs like Yaba tablets and cough syrups enter Tripura from outside states and destroy the youth, cannabis farming provides livelihood to poor families. Protesters alleged that the administration remains silent on synthetic drug trafficking but cracks down heavily on local cannabis growers.

Some villagers also raised broader demands, stating that if cannabis cultivation is being targeted, liquor shops in the state should also be shut down.

Reports indicate that similar anti-cannabis drives were recently conducted in Mohanpur, Sidhai and Lembuchara areas, mostly during early morning hours to avoid resistance. In several of those operations, police reportedly cut down cannabis plants and set them on fire inside the plantations.

Tuesday’s incident, however, turned into one of the most violent confrontations witnessed in recent months. The area remains tense, with heavy deployment of police and central forces to prevent further escalation.

Senior police officials have stated that strict action will be taken against those involved in attacking security personnel, and investigations are underway to identify the main instigators behind the violence.

Authorities have reiterated that the drive against illegal cannabis cultivation will continue across Tripura despite resistance, as part of the state government’s broader anti-drug campaign.

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