Agartala, Sept 13: The residents in some areas of Agartala are having sleepless nights due to the fear of increasing incidents of theft and dacoity.

Not depending on the police security, the locals have taken up the responsibility on themselves for guarding their localities during night hours.

The increasing incidents of dacoity and thefts has created fear among the residents of Agartala. The police have failed to provide security to the people and even failed to nab the thieves and dacoits.

They check every vehicle and bike moving in their area and ask for the identity of the driver and others besides enquiring, regarding the cause of being there so late at night.

Most of them have to go back to their jobs in the morning but are happy that at least some of their friends and neighbours can sleep safely unworried at the cost of their hard work and for which they are satisfied.

“We are in constant fear due to rising cases of crime in some areas of Agartala. During night, a group of young people from our locality keep strong vigil on every activity,” said a local resident.

However, they are poorly equipped with just sticks and rods. In future, if they have to face dacoits who are equipped with sharp weapons and firearms then they might face a serious issue, local residents mentioned.

Police patrolling is there but not enough and they demanded more random police movement and, if possible, small checkpoints which, according to the police authority, has increased in the recent past but not up to the satisfaction of the locals.

The matter has also come to the notice of Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha who said that he is very annoyed and worried about the increasing incidents of theft and robbery.