Surrendered militant groups threaten 72-hour blockade in Tripura

Agartala: Three surrendered militant groups are threatening to paralyze Tripura with a 72-hour rail and road blockade starting September 3. These organizations demand the government fulfill promises made in a 2024 tripartite peace agreement. The groups involved are the National Liberation Front of Tripura, the NLFT Parimal Debbarma group, and the All Tripura Tiger Force.

Prasenjit Debbarma, convener of the Joint Movement Committee, says the government must provide proper rehabilitation for all surrendered cadres. They previously blocked transport routes in June but stopped after receiving government assurances. Those promises went nowhere. Debbarma noted the groups will gather at three state locations on Friday to begin the shutdown. He warned the blockade could turn indefinite if officials fail to provide written guarantees.

Parimal Debbarma, president of the NLFT, claims more than 1,200 fighters surrendered their arms. Yet, only 91 people have received the promised rehabilitation packages over the last two years. Many former cadres now struggle to make ends meet. According to Parimal Debbarma, "The remaining cadres were facing serious livelihood difficulties." The groups also have concerns regarding how the state intends to manage a Rs 250-crore rehabilitation project funded by the North Eastern Council.