Surrendered Militants Block National Highway in Tripura, Clear Way After Officials Intervene

Around 100 surrendered militants from various extremist outfits blocked National Highway-8 on Tuesday, demanding the fulfillment of their long-standing demands, including the withdrawal of all court cases against them and the proper implementation of a tripartite agreement signed with them.

The blockade, which occurred at Sadhupara in the foothills of the Hataikotor (erstwhile Baramura Mountain) hill range in West Tripura district, caused hundreds of passenger and goods-laden vehicles to be stranded on the vital National Highway. The obstruction was withdrawn after several hours following the persuasion of district administration and senior police officials.

#### Recurrent Protests

This marks the fifth time that the surrendered militants have organized a highway blockade over the same demands. The spokesperson for the group, Daniel Debbarma, claimed that both the state and Central governments had committed to providing them with equal opportunities for socio-economic development under the tripartite peace agreement signed on January 5, 2021. However, he stated that the promises made had not been kept.

#### Unfulfilled Demands

Debbarma explained that the blockade was organized to protest the government’s failure to implement a 21-point charter of demands, which includes proper rehabilitation, land allotment, housing, and economic assistance. Despite multiple meetings with the Tripura Tribal Welfare Minister, District Magistrates, and the Director of Tribal Welfare Department, the demands have remained unfulfilled.

Among the key demands are the implementation of the housing scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for the surrendered militants, provision of basic facilities such as piped water supply and electricity, vocational training and financial assistance, free education for their children up to university level, and a special economic development package. The surrendered militants are also demanding recognition of the Roman script for the tribal “Kokborok” language.

#### Future Threats and Official Response

The agitating surrendered militants have threatened to go for an indefinite blockade of National Highway-8 in the future if their demands are not met. Meanwhile, numerous security forces have been deployed at Sadhupara, where senior police officials are engaged in discussions with the protesters to convince them to withdraw the blockade.

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