Agartala, September 5: Tripura Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman on Saturday urged surrendered former militants to stop blocking railway tracks and national highways, saying such protests disrupt the lives of ordinary people. His remarks came as a 72-hour rail and road blockade entered its second day across parts of the state.
The former militants are demanding implementation of rehabilitation measures and commitments under the peace agreement. Roy Barman said their genuine demands should be addressed by both the Centre and the Tripura government. However, he suggested that protesters adopt alternative forms of agitation instead of disrupting public transport.
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Key Facts
- Location: Tripura
- Date: September 5, 2026
- Congress MLA: Sudip Roy Barman
- Protest: 72-hour rail and road blockade
- Protesters: Surrendered former militants
- Main demands: Rehabilitation benefits and implementation of the peace agreement
- Impact: Disruption to railway and vehicular movement
Sudip Roy Barman Appeals to Protesters
Roy Barman appealed to the surrendered former militants to avoid blocking railway tracks and national highways. He said such blockades affect thousands of people who depend on roads and trains for essential travel.
The MLA suggested that protesters could choose other forms of agitation, including an indefinite hunger strike. He said such protests would allow them to press their demands without putting ordinary citizens through hardship.
MLA Seeks Transparency in Rehabilitation Benefits
Roy Barman said the rehabilitation of former militants must follow clear procedures and conditions linked to their surrender.
According to him, authorities should verify records such as the number of people who surrendered, weapons deposited and pending criminal cases before approving rehabilitation benefits.
He also questioned how genuine beneficiaries would be identified if thousands of names appeared on rehabilitation lists.
“If thousands of names are registered for rehabilitation benefits, there must be a clear and transparent basis for selecting genuine beneficiaries,” Roy Barman said.
Genuine Demands Should Be Addressed
The Congress MLA said the legitimate demands of people who genuinely gave up militancy and returned to normal life should receive attention from both the Central and state governments.
At the same time, he opposed claims based on fictitious names or unsupported records. He said authorities should not approve rehabilitation funds without proper evidence of surrender and weapon deposition.
Questions Government’s Response
Roy Barman also questioned the administration’s handling of the situation. He alleged that although officials were present, effective intervention was not visible on the ground.
He said delays in implementing the demands of surrendered militants could be contributing to repeated road and rail blockades.
However, he maintained that blocking major public transport routes should not become a regular method of protest.
Blockade Affects Normal Life
The ongoing 72-hour blockade has affected railway and vehicular movement in parts of Tripura. The protest entered its second day on Saturday.
Roy Barman highlighted the impact on people who need urgent medical treatment or have essential work. He warned that blockades can prevent critically ill patients from reaching hospitals and create difficulties for commuters.
He said the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police had already held discussions with the protesters. Officials reportedly expected the blockade to be withdrawn, but the agitation continued.
MLA Suggests Hunger Strike
Roy Barman urged the protesters to consider an indefinite hunger strike if they wanted to intensify their agitation.
He said protesters could take the physical hardship upon themselves rather than causing difficulties for ordinary citizens by blocking highways and railway tracks.
The dispute highlights the continuing challenges surrounding the rehabilitation of surrendered militants and the implementation of peace-related commitments in Tripura.
What Happened in Tripura?
Surrendered former militants launched a 72-hour rail and road blockade to press for their demands, including rehabilitation benefits and implementation of the peace agreement.
What Did Sudip Roy Barman Say?
Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman urged the protesters to stop blocking railway tracks and national highways. He suggested alternative protests such as an indefinite hunger strike.
What Are the Protesters Demanding?
The protesters are demanding action on rehabilitation benefits and the implementation of commitments made under the peace agreement.
How Has the Blockade Affected Tripura?
The blockade has disrupted railway and vehicular movement in parts of the state, affecting commuters and people travelling for urgent medical and other essential needs.
Location Context
Tripura, a key northeastern state bordering Bangladesh, has a long history of insurgency and peace initiatives. The rehabilitation of surrendered militants remains an important issue linked to the state’s efforts to maintain lasting peace and stability.