Surrendered Militants Block NH-8 in Tripura Over Unmet Rehabilitation Demands

They have warned that if their demands are not fulfilled, they will escalate their protest into an indefinite highway blockade.

A group of surrendered militants blocked National Highway-8, the lifeline connecting Tripura’s capital Agartala with Assam, on Tuesday, demanding the fulfillment of their long-pending demands, including the withdrawal of all court cases against them and the proper implementation of the tripartite surrender rehabilitation agreement.

The 24-hour highway blockade began this morning at Sadhupara, located at the foothills of the Hataikotor (Baramura) hill range in West Tripura district.

This is the fifth time former insurgents, who were once members of various militant groups, have taken such action over the same demands. They allege that despite assurances under the tripartite peace agreement, both the state and central governments have failed to provide them with equal opportunities for socio-economic development, making their reintegration into normal life difficult.

The protest comes in response to the government’s failure to implement a 21-point charter of demands, which includes proper rehabilitation, land allotment, housing, and economic assistance.

The surrender agreements signed by insurgent groups like the NLFT (NB), ATTF, and TNV were made under the supervision of security and intelligence agencies, including the Tripura Police, TSR, CRPF, BSF, and others.

Despite multiple meetings with Tribal Welfare Ministers, District Magistrates, and the Director of Tribal Welfare, the demands have remained unmet since the agreement was signed on January 5, 2021.

Among their key demands are the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) for those without proper housing, access to basic facilities like piped water and electricity, vocational training, financial assistance, free education up to the university level for their families, and a special economic development package. Additionally, they are demanding the implementation of previous agreements signed with armed groups.

The protesters have also called for the permanent recognition of the Roman script, as promised in the ATTF agreement. They have warned that if their demands are not fulfilled, they will escalate their protest into an indefinite highway blockade.

Meanwhile, a large number of security forces have been deployed at Sadhupara. Senior police officials are currently engaged in discussions with the protesters, attempting to convince them to withdraw the blockade.

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