Reported by Mrinal Kanti Banik
Agartala: A forum representing surrendered militants in Tripura has announced plans to launch an indefinite blockade of the state’s key road and rail lifelines from June 5, alleging that the government has failed to honor commitments made regarding their welfare.
The announcement was made on Saturday by the Tripura Guerrilla Returnees’ Demand Committee, which accused the state administration of not implementing assurances reportedly given by Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma earlier this year.
According to leaders of the organisation, the committee had initially planned a protest programme on February 20 demanding the revival of welfare benefits for surrendered militants. However, the agitation was deferred after government representatives invited committee members for discussions and assured them that their concerns would be addressed.
The committee alleged that during the meeting, promises were made regarding a welfare package worth Rs 23 crore and inclusion of eligible former militants in various government welfare initiatives. Despite these assurances, the organisation claims that no tangible progress has been made over the past four months.
A committee leader said repeated follow-ups with the department failed to yield results. He further stated that the organisation formally communicated with the government on May 19 and gave authorities until May 29 to respond to their demands. With no official communication received within that period, the committee decided to intensify its agitation.
The proposed protest will involve blocking both the Assam-Agartala National Highway and railway connectivity, the two primary transport links connecting Tripura with the rest of the country. The organisation said the agitation would continue indefinitely until the government takes concrete steps to address its demands.
The committee also pointed out that a welfare scheme for surrendered militants had remained operational until 2017 and claimed that Rs 45 crore had been allocated for the purpose during the previous Left Front government.
If carried out as announced, the blockade could significantly disrupt passenger and goods movement into and out of the state.
The Tribal Welfare Department and Minister Bikash Debbarma had not issued any official response to the allegations at the time of reporting.
