Reported by Mrinal Banik
Agartala: The Tripura Guerrilla Returnees’ Demand Committee (TGRDC), a platform of surrendered militants, has withdrawn its proposed road and rail blockade scheduled for June 5 after receiving assurances from the state government regarding its demands, Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma said on Thursday.
The decision was taken following a meeting between government representatives and TGRDC leaders, including its convenor, Amrit Reang.
Debbarma said the organisation had raised five major demands before the government, and discussions were held on each of them.
“They had announced a road and railway blockade on June 5. After a thorough discussion on the issues flagged by them and the assurances given by the government, they decided to withdraw the strike,” the minister told reporters.
He said another round of discussions would be held on June 9 to work out the future course of action and review progress on the demands raised by the organisation.
“All line department officials will attend the meeting,” Debbarma said.
The minister said both the state and central governments had undertaken various measures over the years to facilitate the rehabilitation of former insurgents who have returned to mainstream life.
Referring to the demands raised by the TGRDC, Debbarma said one of the principal issues related to the release of pending financial assistance under the Mukhyamantri Rubber Mission.
According to him, Rs 4 crore had been sanctioned for the purpose, of which Rs 2 crore had already been released.
“The remaining amount will be released soon,” he said.
Debbarma said the government had positively considered the demands placed by the organisation and assured that steps would be taken to address them.
The TGRDC represents former militants who have surrendered and subsequently joined the mainstream under various rehabilitation initiatives.
The organisation had earlier announced the June 5 blockade in support of its charter of demands, prompting discussions with the government to resolve the issues through dialogue.
TGRDC leaders were present at the meeting, but no separate statement from the organisation was immediately available.