Assam-Agartala NH Blockade : Ex-Militant Groups Protest Over Unfulfilled Promises
Agartala Dec 22: Three former militant outfits in Tripura that had laid down arms—JAC, JARC and DRMC—came together under the banner of the Tripura Guerrilla Returns Demand Committee and began a blockade of the Assam–Agartala National Highway from 6 am on Monday.
They warned that unless their three long-ignored key demands were fulfilled immediately, they would intensify their agitation.
The three main demands were:
- The ₹23-crore Board Rehabilitation Package (BRP Scheme) must be restarted immediately.
- Under the Chief Minister’s Rubber Mission (CMRM), the previously approved allocation for 16,800 rubber saplings and fencing must be retained and not reduced to 6,000.
- All pending cases filed against former guerrillas who have returned to normal life must be withdrawn immediately.
Pressing these demands, members of the organisation staged a protest by blocking a crucial national highway in Tripura, causing severe disruption to vehicular movement.
From early morning, numerous passenger and goods vehicles were stranded on the road. Anger and anxiety were visible among local residents.
However, protestors said, this blockade is not just a protest for the administration, but a clear warning.
After receiving information about the incident, a large administrative team led by Jirania Sub-Divisional Magistrate Animesh Dhar reached the spot. The administration held several rounds of talks with the protesters.
After prolonged negotiations lasting nearly four to four-and-a-half hours, the agitators finally withdrew the blockade.
In a statement, the organisation said, “We laid down our arms and returned to society peacefully. But the government has failed to honour its promises. In the name of rehabilitation, there are only assurances—nothing on the ground.”
The incident once again brought to the fore the issue of rehabilitation and reintegration of surrendered guerrillas in Tripura. The groups warned that if their three demands were not met, they would launch a broader movement.
According to surrendered militants, failure to fulfil commitments at the government level will deepen frustration among former insurgents who chose the path of peace after giving up arms.