File image of Tripura CM Biplab Kumar Deb

Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Sunday welcomed the decision by National Liberation Front of Twipra (NLFT) militants to join the mainstream.

Interacting with the media in Agartala, Deb informed that a tripartite Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) was signed by the governments of India and Tripura, and the NLFT led by Shabbir Kumar Debbarma after 5 years of discussion.

โ€œNLFT was banned in 1997 after it involved in violent activities for years. Now they have agreed to abjure the path of violence,โ€ CM added.

โ€œNLFT has decided to join the mainstream and abide by the constitution of India,โ€ the CM added.

โ€œ88 cadres have decided to surrender with weapons,โ€ he said.

The CM further claimed that Tripuraโ€™s development was not possible if there was no peace.

โ€œWhen investors look for a place to invest, the first question they ask is about the stateโ€™s law and order situation,โ€ the CM added.

โ€œDevelopment needs peace and through this decision, the state will go to the path of development,โ€ Deb added.

The CM further said, โ€œState government will help them in housing, recruitment and education etc. The Centre will also consider state governmentโ€™s proposals regarding the economic development of tribal areas in Tripura.โ€

โ€œOur government will extend all possible help for the overall welfare and development of them,โ€ Biplab Deb assured.