Reported by Mrinal Banik
Agartala: A 72-hour road and rail blockade launched by former members of Tripura’s disbanded insurgent groups was withdrawn within hours on Friday following fresh discussions with the state government and assurances from Chief Minister Manik Saha.
The agitation, which began at 6 am, disrupted transport services across parts of the state, affecting road and railway connectivity, particularly along the Assam-Agartala National Highway. However, the protest ended after renewed negotiations resulted in a breakthrough.
Earlier efforts to resolve the issue during a meeting chaired by Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma failed to convince the protest leaders to withdraw their programme. Although both sides reportedly agreed on several issues, differences remained over certain key demands, prompting the organisers to proceed with the blockade.
Sources said the situation changed after Chief Minister Saha, currently in New Delhi for a meeting of northeastern chief ministers, personally intervened and assured the agitating groups that their genuine concerns would be addressed through appropriate measures. Following this assurance, the protestors agreed to call off the blockade.
Subsequently, Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma and senior police officials visited the protest sites and reiterated the government’s commitment to resolving the pending issues. The road and railway blockades were then lifted, restoring normal movement of vehicles and trains.
The blockade had significantly impacted transport services in northern parts of the state, with long-distance buses and other public transport operations remaining suspended in North Tripura, Unakoti and Khowai districts. In contrast, normal traffic movement was reported from Sepahijala, Gomati and South Tripura districts, where the agitation had little effect.
Police officials said protestors had assembled at three locations, including Hatai Kotor in the Baramura hill area and near the railway tracks at Sadhupara. No untoward incident was reported during the agitation.
West Tripura Superintendent of Police Namit Pathak said law enforcement agencies maintained a close watch on the situation and confirmed that the protests remained peaceful.
Explaining the reasons behind the agitation, former insurgent leader Prasenjit Debbarma said the protest stemmed from concerns regarding the implementation of the tripartite peace accord signed in New Delhi on September 4, 2024. According to him, some provisions of the settlement relating to the rehabilitation and socio-economic development of surrendered cadres had not been adequately reflected in projects prepared by implementing agencies.
He also expressed dissatisfaction over the slow progress in the screening process of former members of different outlawed organisations, including NLFT and ATTF, and called for its early completion.
Debbarma said the protestors had received positive assurances from the government and decided to withdraw the blockade in the interest of finding an amicable solution through dialogue.