Tripura Sees End to Rail-Road Blockade by Former Militants After Negotiations

In Tripura, a blockade imposed by surrendered militants was lifted following negotiations with state officials, restoring vital transport links. The protest, initiated by former members of the NLFT and ATTF, aimed to address grievances regarding the slow implementation of a rehabilitation package. Despite some positive discussions, key demands remain unresolved, prompting the blockade. The agreement signed in 2024 promised significant rehabilitation support, but former militants claim many commitments are still pending. This situation highlights ongoing tensions and the need for effective dialogue between the government and former insurgents.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 12, 2026, 16:27 IST

Negotiations Lead to Blockade Resolution

Agartala, June 12: A significant blockade imposed by hundreds of surrendered militants across various regions of Tripura was lifted on Friday afternoon after extensive discussions with high-ranking state officials, alleviating the disruptions to both road and rail transport.

Officials reported that Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma, along with Inspector General of Police (Intelligence and Security) Krishnendu Chakraborty and other senior figures, engaged in multiple rounds of negotiations with the representatives of the protesting former militants before the blockade was rescinded.

"After fruitful discussions with the surrendered militants, they decided to end their road and railway blockades on Friday afternoon," stated a senior official, noting that further details regarding the talks would be shared later.

The protest, initiated early Friday by former members of the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF), had severely impacted traffic on major highways and disrupted train services linking the state to the rest of India.

Members of NLFT & ATTF protesting against delays in rehabilitation packages from the central government (Photo: PTI)

A police spokesperson indicated that approximately 450 surrendered militants had set up blockades at three sites in West Tripura and Khowai districts along National Highway-8 and railway lines starting at 6 am. NH-8 is vital for Tripura, while the railway line serves as the state's only connection to the rest of India.

Due to the blockade, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) had to regulate the operations of five passenger trains.

The former militants were voicing their concerns over the alleged failure to implement crucial aspects of a peace agreement signed by the Centre, the Tripura government, and the two militant groups.

Earlier, former NLFT leader Prasenjit Debbarma informed reporters that the blockade was initiated despite recent discussions with the state government.

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

Debbarma criticized the slow pace of the rehabilitation process and called for quicker implementation of the benefits promised under the peace agreement.

"The government has appointed an agency to manage the rehabilitation package, which undermines the core intent of the agreement. The screening process for rehabilitation benefits is also progressing too slowly. We urge for a faster resolution," he stated, emphasizing that the organizations are seeking a peaceful resolution through dialogue.

The Memorandum of Settlement was signed in New Delhi in September 2024, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah present. This agreement facilitated the surrender of 584 militants and the surrender of a significant amount of arms, leading Chief Minister Manik Saha to declare Tripura as "insurgency-free."

As part of the accord, the Centre announced a rehabilitation package worth Rs 250 crore for the surrendered militants.

However, former militants assert that many commitments remain unfulfilled, and the Congress party has previously raised concerns regarding the rehabilitation package, demanding greater transparency in its execution.

With inputs from agencies