Agartala, 12th June 2026: The 72-hour blockade called by surrendered members of the banned insurgent groups National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) disrupted road and rail connectivity across Tripura on Friday before being withdrawn following discussions with the state government.
The blockade began in the morning when protesters blocked the National Highway and railway tracks at Chandrasadhu Para in Hatai Kotor Hills under West Tripura district. Vehicular movement and train services were severely affected, causing significant inconvenience to commuters and travelers. Many passengers were forced to walk long distances after transport services were disrupted.
The agitation was launched over alleged delays in implementing provisions of the tripartite peace agreement signed on September 4, 2024, between the Government of India, the Government of Tripura, and surrendered insurgent groups. Protesters claimed that several commitments under the agreement, including rehabilitation measures, income-generation opportunities, and a Special Economic Development Package, had yet to be fulfilled.
Former NLFT (Ori faction) supremo Prasenjit Debbarma said the blockade was jointly organized after consultations with former cadres and members of the indigenous Tiprasa community. He alleged that unresolved rehabilitation and livelihood issues had led to growing dissatisfaction among surrendered cadres.
“We had submitted a letter to the government on June 1 and given seven days for a response. As no response was received, we were compelled to launch this protest. We do not want to create inconvenience, but our concerns have remained unaddressed,” Debbarma said.
Meanwhile, security was intensified across sensitive locations in the state. West Tripura Superintendent of Police Namit Pathak said the situation remained peaceful despite road blockades at three locations and a rail blockade at one point. He added that adequate security personnel had been deployed and discussions with the protesters were ongoing.
Later in the day, a breakthrough was achieved after representatives of the ATTF’s Alendra Debbarma faction, NLFT’s Prasenjit Debbarma (Haste Fa) faction, and NLFT’s Parimal Debbarma faction held talks with Tripura Tribal Welfare Minister Bikas Debbarma at Baramura.
According to the minister, the meeting focused on various demands raised by the three groups. He said that most of the issues had witnessed positive progress, while necessary steps were being taken to resolve the remaining legitimate demands at the earliest.
Emphasizing the importance of peace, stability, normal public life, and the state’s overall development, Bikas Debbarma said the concerns were reviewed in detail and appropriate directions were issued during the meeting. Following the discussions, representatives of the three groups agreed to withdraw the proposed strike and blockade programme, a move the minister described as “positive and responsible.”
The minister expressed confidence that all outstanding issues could be resolved through mutual trust and constructive engagement. He reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining peace, harmony, and development while addressing the legitimate aspirations of the people.
The withdrawal of the blockade is expected to bring relief to residents and restore normal road and rail services across Tripura, while talks between the government and the former insurgent groups are expected to continue.
