Agartala, June 25
The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) on Thursday alleged that anti-drug whistle blowers in Tripura are being targeted through “false cases” by drug traffickers and their alleged political patrons, and sought intervention from the West Tripura district police to ensure the safety of those raising their voice against the narcotics trade.
A DYFI delegation, which included opposition CPI(M) leaders and MLAs, met Namit Pathak, the Superintendent of Police (SP), West Tripura, at the Police Headquarters in Agartala and submitted a memorandum highlighting what it described as growing threats against anti-drug activists across the state.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, DYFI state secretary Nabarun Deb said the organisation has been conducting a sustained movement against drug abuse and the expanding narcotics trade in Tripura. However, he claimed the situation on the ground remains alarming, with drug trafficking and distribution continuing to grow.
“We are not satisfied with the present situation. The drug trade is increasing every day. Narcotics are coming through railway routes and have now spread across West Tripura as well,” Deb alleged.
The DYFI leader claimed that a nexus of drug traffickers and “political miscreants” was attempting to suppress anti-drug campaigns by implicating activists in fabricated criminal cases.
According to the DYFI state secretary, several individuals who had spoken out against drugs and corruption had recently been implicated in alleged false cases.
He cited the example of Mohanpur DYFI leader Subrata Gope, social activist Shubham Biswas, and Melaghar-based activist Prashanta Sarkar, claiming they had been targeted for their outspoken stand against narcotics and corruption.
“Those who are raising their voice against drugs and corruption are being framed in drug-related cases through conspiracies hatched by drug traffickers and political miscreants,” Deb alleged.
He said the delegation had sought clarification from the police regarding the developments and urged authorities to ensure adequate protection for anti-drug campaigners.
“If people fighting against drugs do not feel secure, Tripura will continue to sink deeper into the drug menace,” he said.
Deb also criticised comments made by the state’s Social Welfare and Youth Affairs Minister Tinku Roy during a recent anti-drug programme. While acknowledging that the Minister had spoken about de-addiction centres and awareness campaigns, Deb questioned why the Minister had allegedly avoided mentioning drug traffickers, drug smuggling and the narcotics trade.
“We saw the Minister speaking against drug addiction, but he did not utter a single word about drug traffickers, drug smuggling or the drug business. We want to know why. Where is the weakness?” Deb said.
He further alleged that the failure to directly confront trafficking networks was one of the reasons behind the growing drug problem in the state.
The DYFI has been actively campaigning against substance abuse in Tripura and has repeatedly demanded stronger action against drug traffickers and the alleged networks supporting the narcotics trade. Police authorities have not yet responded publicly to the allegations made by the youth organisation.
