Former Militants Disrupt National Highway in Tripura; Officials Step In to Resolve
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Synopsis
Around 100 former militants blocked National Highway-8 in Tripura, demanding the fulfillment of their long-standing requests, including legal case withdrawals and proper tripartite agreement implementation. Officials intervened to resolve the situation.
Key Takeaways
- 100 former militants blocked National Highway-8.
- Demands include withdrawal of legal cases.
- Calls for tripartite agreement implementation.
- Protest due to unfulfilled 21-point charter.
- Warning of indefinite blockade if demands are unmet.
Agartala, Feb 25 (NationPress) Approximately 100 former militants from various groups halted operations on National Highway-8, a crucial route for Tripura, on Tuesday. They are demanding the satisfaction of their longstanding requests, which include the dismissal of all legal cases against them and the effective execution of the tripartite agreement established with them.
Officials reported that the roadblock was lifted after several hours as a result of negotiations led by district authorities and senior police personnel.
Numerous passenger and cargo vehicles became stranded due to the significant blockade at Sadhupara, located at the base of the Hataikotor (previously Baramura Mountain) hill range in the West Tripura district.
This incident marks the fifth time that these former militants, previously affiliated with various extremist groups, have staged a highway blockade to voice their identical demands.
Spokesperson for the former militants, Daniel Debbarma, stated that under the tripartite peace agreement, both the state and Central governments pledged to ensure equal opportunities for socio-economic advancement, facilitating their reintegration into mainstream society alongside their families; however, these promises remain unfulfilled.
Debbarma emphasized that the blockade was a protest against the government's negligence in addressing a 21-point charter of demands, which includes proper rehabilitation, allocation of land, housing, and financial support.
Despite numerous discussions with the Tripura Tribal Welfare Minister, district magistrates, and the Director of Tribal Welfare Department, their requests have not been met since the agreement was signed on January 5, 2021.
Key demands consist of implementing a housing scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for the former militants, ensuring access to basic amenities such as piped water and electricity, vocational training and financial help, free education for their children up to the university level, and a special economic development package.
The former militants are also advocating for the recognition of the Roman script for the tribal Kokborok language.
The protesting former militants have warned of an indefinite blockade of National Highway-8 in the future if their demands remain unmet.
In the meantime, a significant number of security personnel have been deployed at Sadhupara, where senior police officials are actively engaged in talks with the demonstrators to persuade them to lift the blockade.
