Agartala: A total of 1,245 militants belonging to various banned outfits have surrendered before security forces and returned to the mainstream since April 1, 2023, the Tripura Assembly was informed on Monday.

The information was provided by the State Home Department in a written reply to a query raised by Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury. The government also stated that no new incidents related to insurgent activities have been reported in the state during the period mentioned in the query.

According to the data placed before the House, the highest number of surrenders came from cadres of the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) faction led by Biswa Mohan Debbarma. A total of 417 members of the group, including its self-styled supremo, laid down arms before security agencies.

In addition, 394 militants belonging to the NLFT faction headed by Parimal Debbarma surrendered, while 223 cadres from the NLFT (ORI) faction also gave up arms. Another 220 militants linked to the All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) joined the surrender process.

The surrendered militants also handed over a total of 147 weapons. These included 93 country-made guns, 13 AK-series rifles, two carbines, six .303 rifles, four Chinese rifles, one Chinese pistol, a CM Sten gun, eight pistols, four revolvers, eight single-barrel metal guns, one botamax, four Chinese grenades and two air guns.

The government further informed the Assembly about the peace and rehabilitation framework agreed upon between the Government of India and the militant organisations. Under the agreement, all members of the NLFT and ATTF were required to surrender their arms and related equipment.

The militant groups also committed to abandoning violence, ending all secret activities and returning to normal civil life. As part of the understanding, they agreed to cease all armed operations within one month of the agreement and pledged to promote social harmony in the state. They also undertook not to assist, train or supply weapons to any militant groups in the future.

The reply further noted that the Government of India may consider providing a special development package of Rs 250 crore over four years to improve the socio-economic conditions of tribal communities in the state.

As part of the rehabilitation programme, each verified surrendered militant will receive a fixed deposit of Rs 4 lakh in a bank for three years. The amount may be used as collateral for loans to support self-employment initiatives.

In addition, each surrendered individual will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 6,000 for three years to cover basic expenses while staying in designated rehabilitation camps.

The government added that if a surrendered militant is rehabilitated before the completion of the three-year period, the monthly stipend will be discontinued and a fixed deposit of Rs 4 lakh will instead be provided in the individual’s name.

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