Agartala: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has called for bolstered security and surveillance in the state, citing the evolving situation in neighbouring Bangladesh.
Speaking at the inauguration of Tripura’s first cyber police station in Agartala on Saturday, Saha emphasised the need for vigilance in the border state, which is encircled by Bangladesh on three sides.
“We are aware of the current situation in Bangladesh, and strengthening security arrangements is imperative,” said Saha.
Highlighting the state’s vulnerabilities, he added, “Tripura has become a corridor for drug and narcotic smuggling. Additionally, infiltration across the border remains a persistent issue.”
The chief minister expressed concerns over the misuse of technology near the border, noting that interactions between individuals on either side of the boundary could become more problematic with the advent of AI-enabled 5G services.
“The situation could escalate. Modern warfare no longer relies on traditional methods but on advanced technology,” he warned.
Drawing parallels with changing warfare dynamics, Saha referred to ‘Operation Sindoor,’ stating that conventional combat methods, such as cannons or physical troop presence, were not prominent in recent conflicts.
“Today, a mobile phone is potentially more dangerous than an AK-47. Technology has redefined conflict, making cybercrime a form of shadow warfare,” he remarked.
The newly established cyber police station, located in AD Nagar, will address all cyber-related crimes across Tripura.
Stressing the importance of fighting digital crimes, Saha urged law enforcement to enhance their technical capabilities and raise public awareness about cyber fraud.
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Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Dhankar echoed the chief minister’s concerns and encouraged citizens to report cybercrime incidents to the new station.
The facility has been partially funded by the Central Government, with Rs 45 lakh allocated from a total budget of Rs 5 crore.
As Tripura adapts to the challenges posed by its geographical proximity to Bangladesh and the growing threat of cybercrime, the government is prioritising advanced security measures to safeguard its citizens and infrastructure.
