A total of 136 families of surrendered militants, once associated with the outlawed All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF), have reportedly occupied a stretch of forest land under Karbook subdivision. Officials confirmed that makeshift huts have been constructed in the area without any formal allotment or government sanction.
According to officials, the matter was brought to the notice of the administration after reports emerged of large-scale encroachment in the forest zone. Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Shyamjoy Jamatia said that the case has been referred to higher authorities since the land falls under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department. He further informed that the District Magistrate has also been apprised of the developments for necessary action.
On Monday, a team of senior ATTF leaders, including Rajesh Debbarma, Pohar Debbarma and Gandhi Debbarma, visited the occupied site. They held a meeting with the families who had settled there. Local residents claimed that while no official notification regarding land allotment has been issued, their leaders are in constant discussions with the administration for a permanent settlement.
The resettlement process of surrendered militants has faced repeated delays since the mass arms surrender in September 2024. At that time, the official agreement signed with the central government had recognized 584 militants for rehabilitation. However, leaders of the surrendered group later demanded recognition for more than 1,000 cadres, creating disputes and confusion.
Officials admit that the verification process of the cadres is still incomplete. This has resulted in uncertainty over the exact number of militants eligible for government-sponsored rehabilitation packages. Until the final verification is concluded, many families continue to face difficulties in securing proper housing and livelihood support.
The latest encroachment incident has once again highlighted the challenges in the rehabilitation program. While the government has assured support to all verified surrendered militants, the delay in verification has left many families frustrated. Sources said that the administration is under pressure to find a balanced solution that will address both the legal issues of forest land encroachment and the humanitarian needs of the surrendered families.
The occupied land in Karbook subdivision being under the Forest Department’s purview has complicated the matter further. Without proper clearance, the settlement cannot be regularized. Officials fear that if the issue is not resolved soon, it could lead to further disputes between local authorities, forest officials, and the families of surrendered militants.
The surrendered militants and their dependents, on the other hand, argue that they laid down arms with the assurance of rehabilitation and resettlement. They say the delay in implementation of the agreement has forced them to take shelter in forest land.
The situation is now under review at higher levels of the state administration. Until final decisions are made regarding verification and allotment, uncertainty looms large over the future of the 136 families presently residing in the Karbook forest area.