Centre Approves New Battalion to Strengthen Tripura's Security

The Indian government has approved a proposal to establish an additional India Reserve Battalion (IRBn) in Tripura to enhance the law and order situation in the northeastern state. This decision was revealed by an official on Saturday, highlighting the Union government's financial backing of Rs 50 crore for the initiative.

A communication from the Ministry of Home Affairs, addressed to Tripura's Chief Secretary J K Sinha, detailed the sanctioned plan, stating that the one-time assistance will facilitate the setup of the new IRBn. Presently, Tripura is home to 11 such battalions, with the new addition aimed at bolstering the state's security apparatus.

The recruitment process for the battalion is expected to be completed within two years, overseen by a selection board led by an ADG-level official. The battalion will focus on counter-insurgency operations and border protection, and the Tripura government is required to fulfill any deployment requests from the Centre. In parallel, the state has initiated the recruitment of 916 constables, including women, to further enhance its policing capabilities.

(With inputs from agencies.)