Tripura Government Relocates Land Customs Facility Amid Border Dispute

The Tripura government is relocating its land customs station from Manughat to Murticherra in Unakoti district due to objections from the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB). The BGB opposed expansion at Manughat citing the Indira-Mujib Pact. The new location, Murticherra, has 12 acres for the facility. A proposal is being sent to the Bangladesh government for approval.

The Tripura government has decided to relocate its land customs station (LCS) from Manughat to Murticherra in Unakoti district, after objections from the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) stalled development at the original site, an official said.

Around 100 acres were acquired for a warehouse and parking area at Manughat LCS, where the foundation stone was laid by former state industries minister Tapan Chakraborty. However, work was halted as the BGB cited the Indira-Mujib Pact, prohibiting construction within 150 yards of the border.

To find a feasible new location, a team led by Deputy Director of Industries and Commerce Department Swapan Mitra visited Murticherra, about 10 km from the existing LCS. ''Today, we visited a new location for LCS, Manughat as development of infrastructure at the existing site has been stalled for several years. The BGB has been opposing any construction work at the existing place. So, we visited the alternative location, Murticherra, for relocation of the existing LCS,'' Mitra told reporters on Thursday.

Murticherra offers around 12 acres for the relocation. ''A proposal for the relocation of the LCS will be sent to the Bangladesh government through the Centre for its green signal. If Dhaka gives its consent, we will shift the LCS to Murticherra,'' he said.

(With inputs from agencies.)