Former Insurgent Groups in Tripura Initiate 72-Hour Blockade Over Rehabilitation Package

In Tripura, members of two former insurgent groups have initiated a 72-hour blockade demanding the implementation of a Rs 250-crore rehabilitation package promised under a peace accord. The blockade, led by the NLFT and ATTF, has severely disrupted transport services, including key highways and railways. Despite recent discussions with the state government, unresolved demands prompted the protest. The situation highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the rehabilitation process for surrendered militants, which has faced political scrutiny. This protest follows a significant peace agreement aimed at ending decades of insurgency in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 12, 2026, 15:57 IST

Blockade Launched by Insurgent Groups

Agartala, June 12: Members from two former insurgent factions, which had previously signed a peace agreement with the central and Tripura state governments less than two years ago, initiated a 72-hour blockade on roads and railways in West Tripura district. Their demand centers around the implementation of a promised Rs 250-crore rehabilitation package outlined in the accord.

The blockade, organized by the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and the All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF), has significantly disrupted traffic on major highways and affected train services linking Tripura to the rest of India.

Members of NLFT and ATTF protesting against the delay in the rehabilitation package from the central government (Photo: PTI)

Officials reported that the blockade has halted traffic on the Assam-Agartala and Agartala-Kamalpur national highways, while rail services have also been disrupted due to the protest.

During a press conference at Hatai Katar in West Tripura, NLFT leader Prasenjit Debbarma stated that the blockade was initiated despite recent talks with the state government.

"We met with Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma yesterday, and while there were some positive discussions, two key demands remain unresolved, prompting us to proceed with the blockade," he explained.

Debbarma criticized the rehabilitation process for straying from the essence of the peace agreement and accused the authorities of delaying the provision of benefits to the surrendered militants.

"The government has appointed an agency to manage the rehabilitation package, which contradicts the core principles of our agreement. The screening process for rehabilitation benefits is also progressing at a sluggish pace. We demand that this process be expedited," he asserted.

Despite the blockade causing significant inconvenience, the former militant leader urged both the central and state governments to heed their demands.

"We are awaiting a response from the Centre and the state government for a peaceful resolution to our longstanding issues," he added.

This protest occurs in the context of a significant peace initiative that was celebrated as a major advancement in addressing Tripura's prolonged insurgency.

A Memorandum of Settlement was signed in New Delhi in September 2024, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah present, between the Centre, the Tripura government, and the NLFT and ATTF.

This agreement facilitated the surrender of 584 militants from various factions of the two groups and the laying down of a substantial amount of arms.

Following the mass surrender event at Jampuijala, Chief Minister Manik Saha proclaimed Tripura as an "insurgency-free" state.

As part of the agreement, the Centre announced a rehabilitation package of Rs 250 crore aimed at reintegrating the surrendered militants into society.

However, the rehabilitation package has sparked political controversy.

In October of the previous year, the Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee requested a detailed report on the surrender process involving the 584 militants and raised questions regarding the allocation of Rs 250 crore for rehabilitation.

The party also called for a specific rehabilitation package for families affected by years of insurgency.