BSF Firing Range Plan at Manu-Chailengta Area Triggers Controversy

A Correspondent

Agartala: Uncertainty prevails over the setting up of a firing range of the BSF at Manu-Chailengta area under Dasda block of Kanchanpur sub-division as a section of people are opposing it.

Various regional political parties including the partner of the ruling alliance, the IPFT and the Gana Mukti Parishad, the tribal wing of CPI(M), oppose the proposal as they claim that the local tribals use the land for jhum cultivation and they will be deprived of their livelihood if a firing range is set up here.

The proposed area is totally hilly and forested and only 126 tribal families reside in the area. Tribal organizations are demanding that they should not be evicted while many other local organizations claim that the establishment of a firing range will ensure various kind of development in the area.

The tribal organizations also initiated a movement and met the sub-divisional magistrate. They submitted a memorandum and threatened to launch a massive agitation if the government goes ahead with the proposal.

Abhedananda Baidya, Sub-divisional Magistrate, recently called a meeting with representatives of various organizations but they could not reach any consensus. The issue became so sensitive that even the local ruling party leaders are maintaining silence. However, the State Government has already given its consent in favor of setting up the firing range in the area.

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