Agartala, Oct 5 (TIWN) Security has been heightened on the India-Bangladesh border to thwart any terror attack in Tripura and Assam during the Durga Puja festival beginning next week. Senior police and BSF (Border Security Force) officials told TIWN that the vigil during the five-day festival (Nov 10 to 14) used to be lax to allow people from across the border to take part in the festivities.

“However, the vigil of the border guards would be strict so that any unwanted elements could sneak into the Indian territory during the festivity,” the officials added.

“Troopers of the BSF have been asked to maintain a close watch on the border to prevent any movement of inimical elements,” Inspector General of Police (IGP) Nepal Das told TIWN.

The last terror attack in Tripura during Durga Puja occurred in October 1, 2008, when one person was killed and many injured after five blasts hit markets and bus stands in Agartala.

Hundreds of police assistance booths are being set up across the state while police officials in civil uniforms would be mingled among the crowds to keep a close surveillance during the Durga Puja celebration. 

A police official in Silchar, a city in southern Assam dominated by Bengali Hindus, told reporters that security forces had fanned out in four districts, including trouble-torn Dima Hasao, to prevent any untoward incident.

Movement of trains will also be monitored, police said.

Several thousand security personnel besides bomb and dog squads would be deployed in Tripura, where more than 2,000 community ‘pujas’ are being organised.

CCTV cameras and metal detectors have been installed at popular puja venues. 

Senior police officials  said the state’s hilly tribal areas are calm this year-- with none of the militant groups there asking people not to organise the festival.

Despite incidents when Hindus were targeted for celebrating religious festivals, pujas are being organised in about 300 tribal and extremist-prone areas this year.