Training Camps for Mukti Bahini in Sector 1 Border Areas

The training camps established along the Sector 1 border areas in India's Tripura state were indispensable to the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. As thousands of young Bengalis crossed into India fleeing Pakistani atrocities and eager to fight, these camps transformed refugees and raw recruits into disciplined Mukti Bahini guerrillas capable of sustained operations in Chittagong, the Hill Tracts, and the Belonia Bulge.

Indian support—through the Border Security Force (BSF), army instructors, and logistical aid—enabled rapid scaling of the freedom fighters' capabilities, turning Sector 1 into one of the most effective fronts.The Need for Structured TrainingAfter the initial revolts in March-April 1971, defected soldiers and civilian volunteers lacked coordinated training. Many were enthusiastic but inexperienced in guerrilla tactics, weapons handling, explosives, and survival in harsh terrain.India's formal commitment began in May 1971 with Operational Instruction No. 52 from General S.H.F.J. Manekshaw. This authorized training facilities, arms supply, and operational support for the Mukti Bahini.Refugee camps along the border naturally became recruitment grounds. Youths were selected, motivated, and sent for training before infiltration back into Sector 1.Key Training Camps in Tripura for Sector 1 FightersTripura, sharing a long border with Chittagong and Feni districts, hosted numerous camps due to its proximity and the massive refugee influx (around 1.5 million—nearly matching Tripura's population).Notable camps and facilities included:

Devta Mura (or Debtamur) Camp: Commanded by Brigadier Shabeg Singh (Delta Sector), this was a major training hub for southeastern fighters, including those destined for Sector 1.
Agartala and Surrounding Areas: Multiple camps around the capital, supported by BSF and Indian Army. Agartala served as a coordination point, with HQ for allied operations under Lt. Gen. Sagat Singh.
Other Locations: Camps in Sabroom, Belonia border areas, and scattered sites across Tripura's districts. At least eight major Mukti Bahini training camps operated in the state, often makeshift but effective.

These camps trained thousands from Sector 1's recruitment pool—youths from Chittagong city, port workers, students, and hill residents.Training Curriculum and Indian AssistanceCourses lasted 2-5 weeks, focusing on guerrilla needs:

Weapons handling (rifles, LMGs, mortars, explosives)
Ambush and sabotage techniques
Jungle survival and navigation in Hill Tracts terrain
Mining roads/bridges, hit-and-run raids
Basic medical aid and communication

Indian instructors (army and BSF) provided expertise. Arms—initially captured Pakistani, later Indian-supplied—equipped graduates.Special units, like naval commandos for Operation Jackpot, received advanced training, with some forward bases in Tripura.Impact on Sector 1 OperationsTrained fighters infiltrated back via porous borders, bolstering sub-sectors under commanders like Captain Rafiqul Islam.They executed ambushes on highways, defended Belonia Bulge, and harassed outposts in Ramgarh and Kaptai.By late 1971, Sector 1 had thousands of trained guerrillas, contributing to the monsoon offensive and final victories.Challenges and the Human ElementCamps faced overcrowding, monsoon hardships, disease, and supply shortages. Yet motivation remained high, fueled by reports of Pakistani atrocities.Many trainees lost family members or homes, driving their commitment.Today, Bangladesh seeks to preserve these camp sites and graveyards in Tripura as historical memorials.The border training camps in Tripura were the crucible where ordinary Bengalis became extraordinary freedom fighters, arming Sector 1 with the human force needed for liberation.Joy Bangla! The camps along the Tripura border forged the warriors who reclaimed Bangladesh's southeast.
Tags: Bangladesh Liberation War 1971, Mukti Bahini Training Camps, Tripura India 1971, Sector 1 Border Areas, Devta Mura Camp, Agartala Camps, Indian Support Mukti Bahini, Muktijuddho, Joy Bangla