Personnel of the Border Security Force (BSF) today arrested Apollo Chakma, described as an armed cadre of the Parbotto Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) headed by Santu Larma, Chairman of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council.
Apollo Chakma, son of Bijay Chakma and a resident of Panchari in Khagrachari district, was apprehended while allegedly crossing the Indo-Bangladesh border through Gate No. 2 of the Amrit Para BSF camp under Dhalai district of Tripura. The BSF recovered a walkie-talkie set from his possession and subsequently handed him over to the Rashyabari Police Station.
The Tripura Police have arrested him under various charges, including cow smuggling and illegal entry into India.
The PCJSS headed by Santu Larma’s group was described as a terrorist organization by the Guwahati High Court in its judgment dated 5 September 2024 in the case of National Investigation Agency vs. Rohmingliana, while adjudicating a matter related to arms smuggling by PCJSS cadres.
The organization has been accused of operating as an Indo-Bangladesh border smuggling network, allegedly engaging in trafficking of arms, drugs, Indian cattle, and Burmese cigarettes.
In July–August 2025, massive public protests were held in South Tripura against the PCJSS over allegations of involvement in criminal activities, including drug trafficking and adversely impacting the youth of the state.
During the Interim Government of Bangladesh, the PCJSS was reported to have worked with anti-India forces.
With funds for the Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council reportedly withheld, the organization is said to have become increasingly desperate, leading to a rise in alleged cross-border criminal activities by its cadres.
