Agartala, 18th August 2026 : A road blockade by surrendered NLFT members over a seven-point charter of demands triggered tension in the Hatai Kotor Sadhupara area of Teliamura on Tuesday. The agitation brought traffic on the Agartala-Assam National Highway to a temporary halt, causing disruption to commuters and vehicles.
The blockade was withdrawn after Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma reached the spot and held talks with the protesters. The Minister intervened on the instructions of Chief Minister Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha and assured the agitators that their demands would be discussed at a meeting scheduled for August 21.
The surrendered NLFT members said they were dissatisfied with the manner in which information regarding government rehabilitation packages, financial assistance and other post-surrender benefits had been communicated to them. According to the protesters, their grievances had remained unresolved for a considerable period, leaving them with no option but to resort to a road blockade.
After the Minister assured them of a detailed discussion on their seven-point demands, the protesters agreed to withdraw the blockade and clear the highway. However, they cautioned that failure to reach a satisfactory settlement at the August 21 meeting could result in intensified agitation.
Speaking to the protesters, Minister Bikash Debbarma stressed that road blockades could not provide a lasting solution to grievances and urged them to rely on dialogue and discussion. He said the government would seriously examine their demands and ensure that they were properly informed about the benefits and facilities available to surrendered members.
The Minister also criticised previous governments, alleging that adequate attention had not been given to the development of the tribal community over the past 35 years. He said the present government was committed to improving the socio-economic conditions and living standards of tribal people and would continue to address their concerns.
The August 21 meeting is therefore expected to be crucial, with the outcome likely to determine whether the issue is resolved through dialogue or whether the surrendered NLFT members resume their agitation.
