Surrendered Militants Block NH-8 in Tripura Over Unmet Rehabilitation Demands
First Published: 25th February, 2025 17:25 IST
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.
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live Doctor in Assam’s Sribhumi Accused of Selling Newborn for Money
20th March 2025
Live Tripura CM Assures Kokborok Students Can Write CBSE Answers in Roman Script, Translators to Be Provided
20th March 2025
Live Two Minor Boys Rescued from Child Labour in Assam’s Furkating
20th March 2025
Live Air New Zealand and Air India signed MoU for direct flights between India and New Zealand
20th March 2025
WE RECOMMEND
Doctor in Assam’s Sribhumi Accused of Selling Newborn for Money
Officials swiftly rescued the newborn, who is now under the care of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).
20th March 2025Tripura CM Assures Kokborok Students Can Write CBSE Answers in Roman Script, Translators to Be Provided
Pradyot stated that such issues should not be politicized and that students should not be dragged into a 'language war.'
20th March 2025Two Minor Boys Rescued from Child Labour in Assam’s Furkating
Officials have placed the rescued boys under the care of the authorities for further action and rehabilitation.
20th March 2025Air New Zealand and Air India signed MoU for direct flights between India and New Zealand
The MoU was signed at an event in Mumbai in the presence of the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, and other dignitaries.
20th March 2025
Sikkimese Filmmaker Tribeny Rai’s ‘Shape of Momo’ Wins Prestigious ‘HAF Goes to Cannes’ Award”
Sikkimese Filmmaker Tribeny Rai’s 'Shape of Momo' Wins Prestigious 'HAF Goes to Cannes' Award"
19th March 2025