Agartala, Feb 26: A seven-hour-long road blockade by the surrendered members of the Tripura United Indigenous Returnees People’s Council on February 25 at the foothills of Baramura caused severe disruptions, particularly for students and teachers traveling for board exams. The agitators, demanding the fulfillment of their 21-point charter, lifted the blockade only after assurances from administrative officials. However, they warned of a larger movement if their demands were not met.
The protest brought back memories of the 2017 IPFT-led 11-day-long national highway blockade, which had caused immense suffering to the people of Tripura.
Meanwhile, the Amra Bangali party condemned the frequent road blockades and questioned the state’s handling of insurgent groups over the years. The party accused past CPI(M) and Congress-TUJS governments of appeasement policies, alleging that financial incentives and government positions were offered to former militants instead of ensuring justice for the victims of past violence.
Amra Bangali’s Key Demands:
1. Judicial Inquiry: Formation of a judicial commission to investigate the June 1980 massacre and other instances of violence, ensuring legal action against the perpetrators. 2. Compensation & Rehabilitation: Full compensation and security for all victims both Indigenous and Bengali communities who suffered due to past insurgent attacks.
3. Employment Guarantee: A block-level development plan to ensure 100% employment in Tripura by utilizing the state’s natural and human resources.
4. Constitutional Rights for Bengalis: Protection of Bengali constitutional rights in Tripura and an end to what they term as “false propaganda” against the Bengali community.
The Amra Bangali party warned that the current BJP-led state government is following the same “vote-bank politics” as its predecessors, which they believe has encouraged extremist elements to continue their disruptive activities.
