Agartala, 5th September 2026 : After two days of disruption, the 72-hour road and rail blockade launched by surrendered militants at Baramura was called off on Saturday following assurances from the government that their genuine demands would be addressed in a time-bound manner.
The withdrawal brought immediate relief to thousands of people whose daily lives had been thrown into uncertainty by the agitation. The blockade had disrupted traffic on the national highway and affected railway movement, leaving commuters, passengers, transport workers and goods carriers stranded at several locations.
West Tripura District Magistrate Dr Vishal Kumar said the administration had held discussions with representatives of all returnee groups and reached an understanding on their demands.
“The Rehabilitation Committee called for a 72-hour strike regarding some of their demands. We spoke with all the returnee groups and accepted their demands, many of which are very important for their returnee beneficiaries, within a set of rules,” Dr Kumar said.
He added that the government would work with the returnees to fulfil their genuine demands within the existing rules and within a fixed timeframe. According to him, several points agreed upon during the discussions would also be implemented within the stipulated period.
“Based on that agreement, they have called off this strike today,” the DM said, thanking Prasenjit and other returnees for withdrawing the agitation in the interest of the state and their beneficiaries.
The blockade, however, had already caused considerable hardship to the public. Long queues of vehicles formed along the highway, while passengers dependent on rail services were left stranded. For traders and transport operators, the disruption meant delays and financial losses, while daily commuters struggled to reach their workplaces and destinations.
The most disturbing aspect was the reported disruption of ambulance movement. Two ambulances carrying patients, including people travelling for dialysis treatment at GB Pant Hospital, were reportedly stopped near the protest site. The patients were subsequently forced to continue their journey on foot, an incident that drew widespread concern.
Tensions had also risen when police attempted to clear the highway blockade on Saturday, with protesters reportedly confronting security personnel and making provocative statements.
The surrendered militants have argued that several commitments made under the 2024 rehabilitation agreement remain unfulfilled. Their demands have now been taken up for discussion with the government.
With the blockade withdrawn, normal movement is expected to resume. The immediate challenge for the administration will be to honour its assurances and maintain dialogue with the returnees, while ensuring that future protests do not disrupt ambulances, emergency services and the basic movement of ordinary citizens.
For the people who spent the past two days stranded on roads and railway routes, the end of the blockade offers a much-needed respite.
