Banned TUNF Outfit Suffers Another Blow in Tripura
Agartala/Kanchanpur Dec 26: In another major breakthrough, North Tripura district police have arrested a notorious militant involved in multiple serious criminal cases, including murder and kidnapping.
The arrested fugitive, who had earlier escaped from a sub-jail, has been identified as Lalthanga Reang alias Dhamanfa, an active member of the banned militant outfit Tripura United National Front (TUNF).
Addressing the media, Kanchanpur Sub-Divisional Police Officer Ashish Kumar Thakur (IPS) said the arrest was part of a sustained crackdown against miscreant and extremist groups being carried out jointly by the Anandapur Sub-Division and Tripura Police.
He described the operation as a major success in the fight against militant activities in the region.
The SDPO said that in connection with Vangmun police station case number 7 registered this year, police arrested one of the key conspirators, Lalthanga Reang, on December 24, 2025.
He was apprehended from the border areas of Damchhara in North Tripura district following intelligence-led operations.
According to police, Vangmun PS case number 7 relates to a conspiracy hatched by the banned extremist group TUNF ahead of Independence Day on August 14.
The group had allegedly planned to damage government institutions, carry out attacks on police personnel, and loot police arms and weapons. Investigators said Lalthanga Reang played a crucial role in the conspiracy.
Police officials also highlighted the accused’s criminal background. A case involving kidnapping and murder was registered against Lalthanga Reang at Damchhara police station in 2020.
After his arrest in that case, he was lodged at the Kanchanpur sub-jail, from where he later escaped along with other inmates.
In connection with the jailbreak, another case was registered at Kanchanpur police station in 2022.
Tripura police sources said the arrest marks another significant achievement in the ongoing drive against TUNF operatives in North Tripura.
Local sources confirmed that Reang is a resident of the Bhandarima area under Anandabazar police station in Kanchanpur subdivision.
Police stated that he had been actively associated with the banned outfit and was wanted in several serious cases.
Citing security concerns, police shifted the arrested militant from Vangmun police station to Kanchanpur police station on Wednesday night. He was produced before the Kanchanpur sub-divisional court on Thursday.
The arrest has been widely welcomed by local residents, who praised the police for their swift and decisive action.
The SDPO said the successful operation reflects the police administration’s firm resolve to dismantle militant networks and ensure public safety across North Tripura.