Rehabilitation Package – Tripura Militant Groups Begin Three-Day Rail and Road Protest
Rehabilitation Package – A fresh dispute over the implementation of a rehabilitation package has triggered a large-scale protest in Tripura, where members of two former insurgent groups began a 72-hour rail and road blockade on Friday. The action has significantly affected transportation services across parts of the state, with both highway traffic and railway operations facing major disruptions.
Transport Services Face Major Disruptions
The protest was launched by members of the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and the All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF), organisations that entered into a peace agreement with the government nearly two years ago. The blockade impacted several key transport routes, including important national highways connecting different regions of the state.
Officials reported that train movement was severely affected throughout the day. Road transportation also came to a halt on the Assam-Agartala and Agartala-Kamalpur highway corridors, creating difficulties for commuters, transport operators and local residents.
Unresolved Demands Lead to Protest
According to leaders of the protesting organisations, discussions were recently held with Tripura Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma. While some progress was achieved during the meeting, representatives said two major demands remained unresolved, leading them to proceed with the planned blockade.
Speaking to reporters in West Tripura district, NLFT leader Prasenjit Debbarma stated that the organisations had hoped for a satisfactory outcome from the talks. However, the lack of progress on key issues prompted them to intensify their demand for action through the transport shutdown.
Concerns Over Rehabilitation Package Execution
One of the primary concerns raised by the groups relates to the implementation of the rehabilitation package announced by the Central Government. The package, valued at Rs 250 crore, was intended to support the rehabilitation and reintegration of former militants who surrendered under the peace process.
The organisations have objected to the government’s decision to appoint an external agency to manage the implementation of the rehabilitation programme. According to their representatives, this approach does not reflect the original understanding reached during the peace agreement and has become a source of dissatisfaction among members.
Delay in Benefit Distribution Highlighted
The groups also expressed concern about what they described as a slow verification and screening process for beneficiaries eligible to receive assistance under the rehabilitation package. Leaders argued that the pace of implementation has delayed the delivery of promised benefits to former members.
They urged authorities to accelerate the process so that eligible individuals can receive support without further delay. The organisations maintain that timely implementation is essential to fulfilling commitments made during the peace settlement.
Background of the Peace Agreement
The Memorandum of Settlement involving the Central Government, the Tripura Government and the two organisations was signed in September 2024. The agreement was concluded in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and was viewed as a significant step toward long-term peace and stability in the region.
The rehabilitation package formed an important component of the settlement, aimed at helping former militants transition into civilian life through financial and developmental support measures.
Call for Dialogue and Resolution
Despite the ongoing blockade, leaders of the organisations said they remain open to discussions with both the Central and State Governments. They acknowledged that the protest has caused inconvenience to the public but argued that it was necessary to draw attention to unresolved issues.
The groups said they are awaiting a response from the authorities and expressed hope that constructive dialogue will lead to a mutually acceptable solution in the coming days.