Will the Tourism Building Be Reconstructed After the Blast Along the Tripura-Mizoram Border?

Synopsis
The Tripura government is set to rebuild an eco-tourism facility after it suffered significant damage from a blast caused by unidentified individuals along the Tripura-Mizoram border. This incident has sparked investigations and discussions about territorial disputes between the two states, highlighting the ongoing tension in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Tripura government plans to rebuild the damaged eco-tourism building.
- The reconstruction costs Rs 3.12 crore.
- Ongoing investigations by both Tripura and Mizoram police.
- Project is part of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme to enhance tourism.
- Territorial disputes between Tripura and Mizoram complicate the situation.
Agartala/Aizawl, May 31 (NationPress) The government of Tripura plans to rebuild the eco-tourism facility located along the inter-state border with Mizoram, following significant damage inflicted by unidentified individuals on May 27, as stated by officials on Saturday.
A representative from the Tripura Tourism Department revealed that Tourism and Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury convened a meeting with senior officials on Friday in Jampui, a district in North Tripura close to Mizoram, where the decision to reconstruct the eco-tourism building was made with plans to commence work shortly.
A senior police official indicated that unidentified assailants used moderate-intensity explosives targeting the under-construction facility in Phuldungsei village, causing extensive damage. Authorities from both Tripura and Mizoram are conducting separate investigations into the incident.
“Tripura Police are actively pursuing the case to identify the culprits. Similarly, Mizoram Police are also investigating to hold those accountable for this act. We maintain a strong collaborative relationship with Mizoram Police, who have assured us of their cooperation,” stated Avinash Rai, Superintendent of Police for North Tripura District, during a phone call from Dharmanagar.
A government official from Mizoram mentioned in Aizawl that there are certain disputed areas along the 109 km interstate border between Tripura and Mizoram.
Residents on both sides of the border assert that Phuldungsei village is claimed by both Tripura and Mizoram, a territorial dispute that has persisted for many years.
According to a Tripura Tourism Department official, the buildings are being constructed in the forested areas of Phuldungsei village at a cost of Rs 3.12 crore to enhance tourism.
This initiative falls under the ‘Swadesh Darshan Scheme’, a flagship program of the Union Ministry of Tourism.
During the meeting on Friday, in addition to elected leaders and senior officials from the Tripura government, representatives from the Young Mizo Association (YMA) and Mizo Convention were also present.
Following the incident on May 27, both states have increased security personnel in the vicinity, with authorities closely monitoring the situation to prevent any further escalation resulting from the explosion at the construction site.
The Tripura government has raised the issue with the Mizoram government, as per the official.
The district authorities of North Tripura and Mizoram's Mamit district, alongside Survey of India officials, have previously engaged in discussions concerning the disputed areas between the two northeastern states.
Civil society and student organizations in Mizoram have occasionally opposed any construction activities by the Tripura government within the “disputed inter-state borders.”
Tripura's Minister of Forest, Science and Technology, and Environment, Animesh Debbarma, informed IANS that he has requested a report from officials regarding the incident.