Former Insurgents Threaten Tripura Rail and Highway Blockade

Agartala: Tensions in Tripura are spiking. Two groups representing surrendered insurgents plan to shut down rail lines and national highways starting August 13. The Joint Action and Rehabilitation Committee and the Joint Action Committee announced the indefinite protest Wednesday in Agartala.

These men laid down their weapons to join mainstream life. They expected government support in return. Now, they claim the state and center have ignored their nine-point list of demands, leaving them without promised financial packages or rehabilitation benefits. The groups previously blocked transit routes on June 24 but ended that protest after government appeals.

Talks have hit a wall. A high-level meeting involving the Minister of Tribal Welfare failed to produce a result on Wednesday. Disappointed, the leadership pushed forward with the new protest date. The organizers stated, "The organisations said that their members had responded to appeals from both the Central and State Governments, abandoned insurgency and returned to mainstream life."

Protesters will occupy the national highway at Chandra Sadhu Para in Champaknagar. They will block railway tracks at Bhrigudas Para in the West District. With Independence Day approaching, officials are watching the situation closely. They fear the blockade will paralyze transportation and stir unrest across the state.