Bishalgarh (Tripura), Aug 28 (IANS): Separatist outfits in Tripura, supported by some opposition leaders, are recruiting tribal youths ahead of the assembly polls, Chief Minister Manik Sarkar said Tuesday.

"The militant outfits are engaging tribal youths to revive their groups and create trouble before the elections. Collecting money from the state, funds are being sent to militant camps in Bangladesh to procure arms and ammunition," Sarkar said at a voluntary blood donation camp.

He said the plans were revealed after the arrest of some militants.

Tripura Police last month arrested five National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) militants, including a woman, and recovered Rs.2.5 million, gadgets and documents from them.

Sarkar also said that some political leaders were misguiding villagers in Bishalgarh, 25 km from here, not to give their land for the extension of a railway line.

"If people do not help the government, how will development take place?" he said.

The Northeast Frontier Railway is laying tracks to extend the rail network to Tripura's border town Sabroom for access to the Chittagong port in Bangladesh.