Tight security in Tripura for Durga Puja

Agartala, Oct 14 : Security has been stepped up in Tripura on account of Durga Puja.

Over 12,000 security personnel and quick reaction teams (QRTs) besides bomb and dog squads have been deployed for the five-day festival that began Wednesday, Inspector General of Police K. Nagraj told reporters.

The Border Security Force has been asked to be extra vigilant on the India-Bangladesh border, he said here.

Counter-insurgency operations against militants will be intensified by Assam Rifles, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Tripura State Rifles (TSR), Nagraj said.

At least 2,000 community Durga Pujas have been organised in the state.

In the past, rebels targeted Hindus for celebrating religious festivals. Now pujas are being organised in about 300 tribal and extremist-prone areas, according to a police official.