Tripura train, road traffic hit on second day of surrendered militants' blockade

Train services and vehicular movement were disrupted in parts of Tripura on Saturday, the second day of a 72-hour blockade called by a forum representing surrendered militants over an 11-point list of demands, including implementation of the tripartite agreement under which they surrendered their arms.

Hundreds of surrendered militants affiliated with the All Returnees' Rehabilitation Committee blocked roads at Hataikotor, Brigudasbari and Khowai Chowmuhani in West Tripura district, a senior police officer said.

The protesters also occupied railway tracks at Brigudasbari in West Tripura, prompting the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) to announce short termination, cancellation and rescheduling of several trains, including long-distance services, according to an official release.

"The blockade has disrupted train services and vehicular movement, but it has been peaceful," the police officer said.

The blockade at Hataikotor severely affected traffic on the Assam-Agartala national highway, considered a lifeline for Tripura, leaving the northeastern state completely cut off from the rest of the country.

The All Returnees' Rehabilitation Committee, which represents seven surrendered militant groups, began the 72-hour blockade on Friday over its 11-point charter of demands. These include implementation of the peace accord signed in 2024, under which the militants surrendered their arms before Chief Minister Manik Saha.

"We had a discussion with former rebel leaders at Hataikotor on various points of the peace accord. They have raised some demands to which the government is ready to work. The government is committed to implementing the accord in a time-bound manner," West Tripura District Magistrate Vishal Kumar told reporters after the meeting on Friday.

Kumar said the former rebel leaders had told the administration that they would discuss the government's proposals with their cadres and communicate their response as soon as possible.

The 11-point charter also includes demands for land rights for indigenous people and withdrawal of all pending cases against the surrendered militants.  (with inputs from PTI)