Former Tripura militants withdraw blockade

Former militants from the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) withdrew a 72-hour road and railway blockade in Tripura on Friday, six hours after it began. The blockade was initiated to protest the alleged non-implementation of key provisions of a tripartite agreement signed with the Centre and the Tripura government on September 4, 2024.

Hundreds of surrendered militants participated in the blockade, which disrupted vehicular movement and train services across the state, particularly along National Highway-8 in West Tripura and Khowai districts. The protesters, who laid down arms expecting rehabilitation and reintegration, claim that promises of financial assistance, welfare benefits, and livelihood opportunities have not been fulfilled or have been only partially implemented.

Discussions between the former militants and state government officials, including Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma, initially failed to resolve the dispute. However, Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, who was attending a meeting in New Delhi, assured the protesters that their legitimate demands would be considered and necessary steps would be taken gradually. Following this assurance, the leaders decided to withdraw the strike, restoring normal transportation.