Tripura, 09 Feb 2026: Sepahijala district witnessed severe tension on Monday morning during an anti-cannabis operation carried out jointly by Assam Rifles and the Border Security Force in the North Kalmachoura area under Kalamchoura police station.
According to sources, as the joint central forces launched the operation against cannabis cultivation, a large group of cannabis growers allegedly gathered and surrounded the security personnel from all sides. The situation quickly escalated when the growers reportedly attacked the jawans with sharp weapons and began pelting stones and bricks.
In the violent clash, four Assam Rifles personnel sustained injuries. As the situation went out of control, BSF and Assam Rifles jawans were forced to fire around 15–20 rounds in the air to disperse the aggressive crowd. However, despite the warning shots, the attackers allegedly refused to retreat.
Finding it difficult to continue the operation amid growing hostility, the joint forces eventually withdrew from the area and shifted the injured jawans to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Local sources claim that this period coincides with the harvesting and storage of dried cannabis. Fearing seizure of their produce, the cannabis growers allegedly acted in a coordinated manner and dared to launch a direct attack on the joint forces. As a result, Monday’s anti-cannabis operation is being viewed as unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, a separate wave of unrest erupted in the Kalmachoura market area. Alleging that Central Reserve Police Force personnel attacked local traders and civilians in the name of an anti-cannabis drive, residents staged a massive protest by blocking the Boxanagar–Sonamura road.
The road blockade continued for nearly three hours, severely disrupting traffic. Protesters alleged that no senior administrative official had reached the spot even hours after the agitation began, further intensifying public anger.
Later in the day, tension flared again in the Barmura area as villagers clashed with security forces during the operation. Sources said that miscreants hurled stones at the administrative team, forcing the Assam Rifles to fire nearly 40 rounds in the air to bring the situation under control. Among the injured was an Assam Rifles driver, and a total of four jawans were reported to be seriously hurt.
Following the incident, the area remained tense. Police from Kalmachoura police station, in coordination with senior अधिकारियों, rushed to the spot and managed to partially normalize the situation. However, due to mounting public resistance, the Assam Rifles personnel and administrative staff reportedly had to leave the area.
Security has since been tightened across the region, and the administration continues to closely monitor the situation to prevent further escalation.
