Tension escalated in the international Zero Point area of Kailashahar in Tripura's Unakoti district after allegations of obstruction to emergency embankment repair work along the Manu River. 

On Sunday, local residents and contractors staged a road blockade at Tilabazar, demanding immediate resumption of the repair work and action against those accused of disrupting the project.

According to local sources, several parts of Tripura, including Unakoti district, were severely affected by recent heavy rainfall and flooding. Although the water level of the Manu River has receded following a decrease in rainfall, a nearly 300-metre stretch of the embankment near Lathiapura Gram Panchayat, adjacent to the international Zero Point, has developed significant erosion. A Border Security Force (BSF) camp is located close to the affected site, adding to the strategic importance of the area.

Considering the seriousness of the situation, the district administration and the Flood Control Department initiated emergency restoration work to prevent further damage and protect nearly 12 villages from potential flooding.

Contractor Abdul Mannan alleged that repair work began on Friday following instructions from the Flood Control Department. However, he claimed that a group of individuals obstructed the work during the night and forced trucks carrying soil to return. The following day, despite administrative directions, 19 trucks loaded with boulders were allegedly detained for several hours before being turned back.

Mannan further alleged that the incidents occurred in the presence of police personnel and accused government advocate Sandeep Deb Roy of playing a role in the obstruction. He argued that while work in an international border area must comply with established regulations, the advocate's presence at the site and subsequent press conference could create unnecessary complications concerning border-related issues.

Warning of the potential consequences, Mannan said that failure to complete the embankment repairs without delay could leave at least 12 villages in Kailashahar vulnerable to renewed flooding.

In protest against the alleged obstruction, local residents and contractors blocked the Tilabazar road on Sunday. Demonstrators demanded that the embankment repair work resume immediately and called for legal action against those responsible for halting the project.

The incident has also raised questions about the role of the local administration. Residents of the border area remain concerned over the delay in restoring the damaged embankment and are now awaiting the administration's next course of action to avert another flood crisis.