Agartala: Rail and road connectivity in Tripura faced major disruption on Friday after former cadres of three surrendered militant groups launched a 72-hour blockade. The protesters are demanding the immediate implementation of commitments under the tripartite peace agreement signed in 2024.
The agitation disrupted train services and traffic on the Assam-Agartala National Highway. More than 200 former militants reportedly joined the protest at several locations. Police deployed additional security personnel at the blockade sites to maintain law and order.
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Key Facts
- State: Tripura
- Protest: 72-hour blockade
- Groups involved: NLFT, NLFT (Parimal Debbarma faction) and ATTF
- Main demand: Immediate implementation of the 2024 peace agreement
- Major impact: Train services and highway traffic disrupted
- Participants: More than 200 former militants
- Peace accord date: September 4, 2024
- Key locations: Hatai Kotor, Brigudasbari and Khowai Chowmuhani
Rail and Road Services Hit
The blockade began on Friday morning at several strategic locations across Tripura.
Protesters blocked the Assam-Agartala National Highway at Hatai Kotor in West Tripura. They also blocked the railway route at Brigudasbari, affecting train movement.
Another group organised a blockade at Khowai Chowmuhani in Khowai district. As a result, road and rail connectivity faced significant disruption.
Police deployed additional personnel at the protest sites to prevent violence and maintain public order.
Former Militants Raise 11 Demands
The protesters have submitted an 11-point charter of demands. The immediate implementation of the tripartite peace agreement remains their main demand.
They have also sought security arrangements for former leaders and cadres. In addition, they want authorities to approve and include the list of surrendered members.
The protesters are also demanding the withdrawal of pending police cases against eligible surrendered cadres.
Another major demand involves granting land acquisition and allotment powers to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council.
2024 Tripartite Peace Agreement
The National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT), NLFT’s Parimal Debbarma faction and the All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) signed a tripartite peace agreement with the Centre and the Tripura government on September 4, 2024.
The agreement aimed to address insurgency-related issues and establish a lasting path towards peace in Tripura.
However, the former militants now claim that several commitments under the agreement remain pending. Therefore, they have launched the blockade to pressure authorities to act on their demands.
Protest Coincides With Delhi Meeting
The blockade also coincided with a significant meeting in New Delhi.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha and Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma were expected to discuss issues linked to the implementation of the tripartite agreement.
Against this backdrop, protesters have reiterated that assurances made under the peace settlement must translate into concrete action.
They have urged the authorities to implement the agreement without further delay.
Police Maintain Security
Police have increased security at the blockade locations to prevent any untoward incident.
Authorities are monitoring the situation as the 72-hour agitation continues. The disruption could affect commuters, freight movement and railway passengers if the blockade continues at key transport routes.
The protesters, meanwhile, have maintained that they will continue the agitation until authorities address their concerns.
Questions and Answers
Why are former militants blocking roads and railways in Tripura?
They are demanding the immediate implementation of commitments under the 2024 tripartite peace agreement.
Which groups are involved?
Former cadres of NLFT, NLFT (Parimal Debbarma faction) and ATTF are participating in the blockade.
How long will the blockade continue?
The protesters have announced a 72-hour blockade.
Where have protesters blocked transport routes?
Major blockade points include Hatai Kotor, Brigudasbari and Khowai Chowmuhani.
When was the peace agreement signed?
The three organisations signed the tripartite agreement with the Centre and Tripura government on September 4, 2024.
Location Context
Tripura shares important road and rail links with Assam and the wider Northeast. Therefore, disruptions along the Assam-Agartala highway and railway network can affect passenger movement, trade and regional connectivity.
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