By TC News Desk
Agartala, 24th September 2024: In a historic moment for Tripura, 584 insurgents from the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and the All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) laid down their arms on Tuesday, signaling a new era of peace and stability in the state.
The surrender took place at a significant ceremony held at the 7th Battalion Headquarters of the Tripura State Rifles in Jampuijala, Sepahijala District.
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha, who presided over the event, warmly welcomed the returnees. He declared that Tripura, once a hotbed of insurgent activities, is now free from the scourge of insurgency.
This momentous occasion follows the peace accord signed on September 4 in New Delhi, in which the Government of India, the Government of Tripura, and leaders of the NLFT and ATTF came together to lay the foundation for lasting peace. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Dr. Saha were key figures during the signing of this accord.
In his address, Chief Minister Dr. Saha credited the peace accord for ending the decades-long insurgency that had plagued Tripura.
“This marks a significant milestone in Tripura’s journey towards lasting peace,” he said. He also commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s role in fostering development across the Northeast, pointing out that the region, once ravaged by terrorism, has seen tremendous progress. Tripura alone has been part of three out of the 12 peace accords signed under Modi’s leadership.
“Without peace, development is impossible,” Dr. Saha emphasized. “Today, Tripura stands proudly as a state free from terrorism.” He further highlighted the numerous development initiatives implemented by the central and state governments, particularly those aimed at uplifting the Janajati (tribal) communities.
As the state’s Home Minister, Dr. Saha underlined the importance of peace, unity, and reconciliation over hatred and division. He extended a warm welcome to the former insurgents, praising their decision to leave behind the path of violence and rejoin society as part of the state’s peaceful future.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Director General of Police Amitabh Ranjan, DGP (Intelligence) Anurag, Chief Secretary JK Sinha, Home Secretary PK Chakraborty, and Sepahijala District Magistrate Siddhart Shiv Jaiswal, all of whom witnessed this momentous step towards a peaceful and prosperous Tripura.
