Tripura, 22 Dec 2025: Tension resurfaced in the Hathai Kotor area late Sunday night after members of a surrendered NLFT faction blocked the Assam–Agartala National Highway, alleging prolonged failure by the government to fulfill commitments made at the time of their surrender.
According to the protesters, several assurances given under the surrender agreement remain unimplemented despite repeated representations to the administration. Citing continued neglect of their demands, the group imposed a 48-hour deadline and resorted to blocking the national highway at Hathai Kotor.
The blockade, which began late at night, caused significant inconvenience to commuters and transporters. With the highway remaining closed through the night and early morning hours, a large number of passenger buses and goods vehicles were stranded on both sides. Long queues of vehicles were seen along the Hathai Kotor stretch, leading to hours of disruption.
Protesters alleged irregularities in the release of financial assistance under rehabilitation and livelihood schemes. They claimed that against an approved amount of ₹16,800 per beneficiary under the rubber plantation assistance, only partial payments—around ₹6,000 in some blocks—were disbursed. The remaining amount, they alleged, was withheld citing a shortage of funds. They further expressed concern that administrative confusion at the block level, delays by the Finance and Tribal Welfare departments, and the approaching election season have made it extremely difficult to sustain their livelihoods and carry out seasonal agricultural activities under the Chief Minister’s Rubber Mission.
Following the blockade, senior police officials and administrative authorities rushed to the protest site. After prolonged discussions, officials clarified that the money released so far was only a part payment due to technical issues and financial constraints. They informed the protesters that the remaining amount has already been forwarded for approval to the Finance Department and will be released once clearance is received.
Officials also stated that some pending issues, including settlement-related cases from August and other rehabilitation benefits, fall under the jurisdiction of the Home Department, Finance Department, and Tribal Welfare Department, and that these matters have already been communicated to the concerned authorities.
After receiving assurances from the administration, the surrendered NLFT members withdrew the blockade. Vehicular movement on the Assam–Agartala National Highway gradually returned to normal.
However, the incident has once again raised concerns over rehabilitation, timely fund disbursal, and long-term stability in the Hathai Kotor region, highlighting ongoing challenges in the implementation of surrender and rehabilitation packages.
