BSF among two killed in militant firing in Tripura

Two persons, including an Indian border guard, have been killed when suspected militants opened fire at them in remote bordering Khantlang area in North Tripura, according to BSF sources.

The incident took place on Monday morning when a constable of the Border Security Force (BSF)’s 98 battalion, posted at Pushparampara border outpost, went to fetch water in a civilian water tanker of the Coastal Construction Company to a nearby area.

The BSF constable was accompanied by two other civilians, including the driver of the water tanker.

A group of suspected NLFT militants ambushed the vehicle, said a BSF official Laksh Mehata.

The BSF head constable Adil Abbas immediately retaliated forcing the militants to retreat, the official said.

But in exchange of fire, one Himari Rangtor, co-driver, died on the spot, while two others, including the BSF head constable, were critically injured.

The injured were airlifted to G B Panth hospital in Agartala, where the BSF soldier was declared brought dead.

Condition of the civilian driver Jiten Chhakma is stated to be critical.

Khantlang is a tri-junction between Tripura-Mizoram and Bangladesh and is strategically important for the militants, who use it as a transit route.

The NLFT has been trying to stop the Coastal Company which is engaged in erecting border fencing for the last few years in that area.

With the elections to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) coming closer, militant activities are increasing in the state.

This is the second attack on the BSF during the last one month.