Agartala: Jan 25: Congress MLA Birjit Sinha has raised alarm over the illegal construction of a dam by Bangladesh on the Manu River, claiming it threatens to flood Kailashahar in Tripura during the next monsoon season. Addressing a long march in Kailashahar today, Sinha demanded that the Indian government take swift and stringent action against Bangladesh for this alleged violation. He also cited a recent incident in which Bangladeshi citizens reportedly attempted to snatch weapons from Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, adding urgency to his call for action. Sinha appealed directly to the Prime Minister and the Home Minister to address the issue.
In response to the situation, Congress party members staged a road blockade near the airport on the Kailashahar-Dharmanagar route from 10 am today. The protesters demanded the repair of the dam, which has reportedly been raised by 12 to 14 feet by Bangladesh. The blockade caused significant traffic disruptions, with hundreds of vehicles stranded on both sides. The protest was eventually lifted after two hours due to police intervention. However, Sinha and other opposition leaders warned that they would organize a larger movement if the matter is not addressed promptly.
Sinha explained that the blockade was prompted by fears of potential flooding in Kailashahar due to the dam’s construction and the administration’s failure to take adequate action. He had recently visited several affected areas, including Jalai, Chanthal, Jarultali, Kaprang, and Gobindapur, where he found the situation to be critical. He cautioned that unless the dam is repaired, Kailashahar could face a disastrous situation, especially if the water level rises in the border region next year. The Congress party has pledged to continue its efforts to address the issue and protect local communities.
