Agartala, June 25: The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) on Thursday alleged that anti-drug whistleblowers and campaigners in Tripura are being targeted through “false criminal cases” orchestrated by drug traffickers with the support of their alleged political patrons. The organisation urged the West Tripura district police to ensure the safety and protection of individuals leading the fight against the narcotics trade.
A DYFI delegation, accompanied by CPI(M) leaders and MLAs, met West Tripura Superintendent of Police Namit Pathak at the Police Headquarters in Agartala and submitted a memorandum highlighting what it described as growing intimidation and harassment of anti-drug activists across the state.
Addressing reporters after the meeting, DYFI state secretary Nabarun Deb claimed that despite sustained campaigns by the organisation against drug abuse, the narcotics trade continues to expand across Tripura.
“We are not satisfied with the present situation. Drug trafficking is increasing every day. Narcotics are entering through railway routes and have now spread across West Tripura as well,” Deb alleged.
He further claimed that a nexus involving drug traffickers and “political miscreants” was attempting to silence anti-drug voices by implicating activists in fabricated criminal cases. According to Deb, Mohanpur DYFI leader Subrata Gope, social activist Shubham Biswas and Melaghar-based activist Prashanta Sarkar were among those allegedly targeted for speaking out against drugs and corruption.
“Those raising their voice against drugs and corruption are being framed in drug-related cases through conspiracies hatched by traffickers and their political associates,” he alleged.
The delegation sought clarification from the police on these developments and demanded adequate protection for anti-drug campaigners. Deb warned that unless activists felt secure, Tripura’s battle against the drug menace would suffer.
The DYFI leader also criticised Social Welfare and Youth Affairs Minister Tinku Roy, alleging that while the Minister recently spoke about de-addiction centres and awareness campaigns, he did not address drug trafficking or the networks behind the narcotics trade.
“We want to know why there was silence on drug traffickers and smuggling,” Deb said, alleging that failure to confront trafficking networks has contributed to the worsening drug problem.
Police authorities have not yet issued any public response to the allegations raised by the DYFI.
