Reported by: Mrinal Banik
Agartala: Leaders of various surrendered militant groups have called a 72-hour Tripura bandh from September 4, demanding the speedy and proper implementation of the terms of an agreement signed in 2024.
The bandh was announced at a press conference at the Agartala Press Club on Thursday.
The leaders alleged that several important provisions of the agreement reached between the Government of India, the Tripura government and the concerned surrendered militant groups had not yet been fully implemented.
The groups claimed that they had repeatedly drawn the attention of the authorities to the implementation of the agreement but alleged that effective steps had not been taken. They said they had therefore decided to launch a wider movement.
NLFT president Prasenjit Debbarma said the bandh would continue for 72 hours from September 4 across the state. He said gatherings, demonstrations and other protest programmes would be organised at different places during the bandh.
The leaders also cautioned the administration against using force or creating obstacles during the protests. They said any use of force against protesters could further complicate the situation.
The groups said their objective was not limited to observing the bandh and that the agitation would continue until the government took visible and effective steps to fulfil the commitments made under the 2024 agreement.
They also indicated that further programmes could be announced in the coming days if their demands were not addressed.
The bandh is expected to bring the functioning of normal public life and transport services under focus across the state from September 4.
The administration has not, so far, disclosed details of the measures it plans to take in response to the proposed bandh, according to the report.
There was no immediate response from the government to the allegations made by the surrendered militant groups.