Traffic on the Assam-Agartala National Highway came to a standstill on Tuesday as the Tripura United Indigenous Revolutionary Peoples’ Council (TUIRPC), a group of surrendered extremists, staged a dawn-to-dusk blockade at Hatai Kotor in West Tripura District.
The protesters, who had previously laid down arms under a peace agreement with the government, accused the authorities of neglecting their rehabilitation and welfare, citing unfulfilled promises made during their surrender.
Protest Highlights: TUIRPC’s 21-Point Charter of Demands
TUIRPC leader Daniel Borok Debbarma stated that despite multiple assurances, most of the commitments made to them remain unfulfilled.
“The government promised us many things, but nothing has been implemented yet. This is the fifth time we are blocking the road as a form of protest. Our 21-point charter contains old demands that the authorities continue to ignore,” he said.
Among their primary demands are:
- Removal of all pending court and police cases against surrendered militants.
- Provision of permanent (pucca) houses for rehabilitated members.
- Recognition of Kokborok language in Roman script, replacing the current Bengali script.
- Infrastructure development (water, electricity, and roads) in rehabilitation zones.
- Free education for children of surrendered militants, from Class 1 to university level.
TUIRPC members argue that their reintegration into society has been slow and ineffective, despite their cooperation with the government.
Government’s Unfulfilled Promises & Rising Frustration
The surrendered militants recalled that during their surrender, the Central government had assured them of complete rehabilitation, legal amnesty, and better living conditions. However, their expectations have not been met, leaving them frustrated and desperate for action.
“The government assured us of justice, but we are still facing police summons for cases that should have been dismissed. Many of our members continue to live in poor conditions without basic facilities. We were also promised employment opportunities, but nothing has been provided,” Debbarma added.
This prolonged neglect has led them to take to the streets repeatedly, disrupting key transportation routes like the Assam-Agartala highway.
Massive Traffic Disruptions During the Protest
The strike, which started early in the morning, caused major disruptions along the national highway, stranding hundreds of vehicles for hours.
The blockade affected:
- Transport between Assam and Tripura, leading to significant delays.
- Supply chain disruptions, impacting trade and daily commerce.
- Difficulties for local commuters, including students and medical patients.
However, after discussions with the civil administration, the protesters eventually lifted the blockade in the evening.
Police & Administration’s Response to the Protest
Jirania Sub-divisional Police Officer Kamal Krishna Kalai confirmed that the protest was peaceful, and the administration had deployed sufficient forces to maintain law and order.
“They had a meeting with the civil administration, after which they lifted the blockade. So far, everything remains peaceful,” Kalai stated.
Despite the temporary resolution, tensions remain high as the protesters have warned that more protests will follow if their demands continue to be ignored.
Why the TUIRPC’s Demands Are Important?
The demands raised by Tripura’s surrendered extremists highlight deep-rooted issues within India’s militant rehabilitation policies.
- Unmet rehabilitation promises discourage future surrenders.
- Lack of basic amenities for surrendered groups fosters resentment.
- Pending legal cases contradict peace agreements.
- Cultural identity concerns, such as Kokborok script recognition, remain unaddressed.
- Delayed government action leads to repeated disruptions in the region.
What Happens Next?
The Tripura government and the Central administration now face pressure to resolve the grievances of surrendered militants before further unrest emerges.
Officials have assured that dialogues with the TUIRPC leadership will continue, but whether these promises will be fulfilled remains to be seen.
If the government fails to act, Tripura may witness more such blockades, intensifying tensions in the region.
The Tripura highway blockade by surrendered extremists underscores long-standing issues in the rehabilitation process. With their 21-point charter still unfulfilled, discontent is growing among ex-militants, forcing them to take drastic measures.
The government must act swiftly to address their demands, ensuring a lasting peace and preventing further disruptions in the state’s fragile socio-political landscape.
