AGARTALA, Feb 29 (TIWN): The Opposition Congress on Saturday demanded the removal of Social Welfare and Social Education Minister Santana Chakma as her bodyguard along with two other security personnel were arrested on Thursday for carrying drugs.

A demonstration was staged led by leader Subal Bhowmik. The protest was staged with two reasons. One is the Tripura Social Welfare Minister issue and another is Delhi riot, demanding resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Constables Dilip Chakma, the minister's bodyguard, constable Narottam Chakma and Tripura State Rifles (TSR) jawan Sanjib Chakma were arrested on Thursday in north Tripura for carrying Yaba tablets and other drugs, including heroin.  The arrested security personnel have been charged under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and the Indian Penal Code.  At least 75 policemen, including a Deputy Superintendent of police, have been either arrested or suspended from service for their alleged involvement in drug peddling in the past two years. 

A Revenue Department official said that in the past 20 months, 722 cases have been registered under the NDPS Act and 1,241 people arrested for trading in and smuggling drugs.  He said that around 78,853 kg of ganja (cannabis), over seven kg heroin and other drugs were seized.  Yaba tablets contain a mix of methamphetamine and caffeine and are misused as high-dosage drugs in India, Bangladesh and neighbouring countries.  According to the BSF and intelligence officials, Yaba tablets and other drugs are smuggled into the northeastern states from neighbouring Myanmar and then smuggled to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and various Indian states.