Guwahati, May 23 -- Reported by Mrinal Banik

Agartala: Tripura Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma on Friday announced that the Forest Department is procuring 200 firearms to strengthen enforcement operations against organised timber smuggling networks active across the state.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event marking the International Day for Biological Diversity, the Minister said the government was preparing to intensify action against the illegal timber trade through coordinated operations involving forest personnel and security forces.

"Timber smuggling has emerged as a serious challenge, and strict enforcement measures are required to dismantle such rackets," Debbarma said. He added that the department was also movi...