Tripura ex-militants reject government appeal to end blockade

A joint committee representing surrendered militants from seven groups in Tripura on Friday rejected the state government’s appeal to withdraw their ongoing road and rail blockade, insisting that their demands be addressed first.

The blockade, part of a 72-hour statewide strike, has disrupted road and railway connectivity across five districts. The agitation was initially launched by three groups that surrendered arms under a 2024 tripartite agreement with the Centre and Tripura government.

Four other surrendered militant groups later joined the protest, which centres on an 11-point charter, including implementation of the rehabilitation agreement.

NLFT (Original) leader Prasenjit Debbarma said more than 1,200 cadres were awaiting acceptance under the rehabilitation process, while only 91 had so far been accepted by the police. He also demanded withdrawal of pending cases against the cadres.

Jirania SDM Animesh Dhar met the protesters at Hatai Kotor and urged them to withdraw the blockade, saying their demands had been communicated to higher authorities.

The protesters, however, warned that the agitation would be intensified if their demands were not addressed immediately.