Agartala: The Border Security Force (BSF) on Monday apprehended an armed cadre of the Parbotto Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) headed by Chairman of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council Santu Larma, along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Tripura.
The individual, identified as Apollo Chakma, son of Bijay Chakma and a resident of Panchari in Khagrachari district of Bangladesh, was detained while allegedly attempting to cross into Indian territory through Gate No. 2 near the Amrit Para BSF camp in Dhalai district.
According to officials, a walkie-talkie set was recovered from his possession at the time of arrest. He was subsequently handed over to the Rashyabari Police Station for further legal proceedings.
Tripura Police have registered a case against him under multiple sections, including charges related to illegal entry into India and alleged involvement in cross-border smuggling activities.
The PCJSS, headed by Santu Grou,p has been described as a terrorist organization by the Guwahati High Court, in its judgment on 5 September 2024 in the case of the National Investigation Agency Vs. Rohmingliana, while adjudicating a case of arms smuggling by the PCJSS cadres.
Security agencies have alleged that the PCJSS has become involved in cross-border smuggling activities along the Indo-Bangladesh frontier, including the trafficking of arms, narcotics, cattle and contraband goods such as Burmese cigarettes.
In July–August 2025, large public protests were reportedly held in South Tripura against the outfit, with demonstrators accusing it of involvement in criminal activities, including drug trafficking and negatively influencing local youth.
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During Bangladesh’s interim government period, the PCJSS was alleged by some quarters to have maintained links with anti-India elements. Sources further claim that following the withholding of funds to the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Regional Council, the outfit faced financial strain, which was followed by a reported rise in cross-border criminal activities involving its cadres.
