Agartala: Jan 06. A road blockade organised by the Joint Action Committee of civil society groups at the Pushkar Bari area in Bishramganj today was withdrawn after the district administration assured a review of the disputed ADC areas proposed to be included under a Nagar Panchayat.
The protest, backed by residents of Bishramganj ADC villages, social workers, civil society representatives and MLA Ranjit Debbarma, brought traffic to a standstill for several hours.
Addressing the media, MLA Ranjit Debbarma blamed the state government for proceeding without a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and without consulting the TTAADC government. He clarified that the agitation was not against the formation of a Nagar Panchayat, but against the inclusion of ADC areas. “There would have been no protest if the Nagar Panchayat was limited to general areas,” he said.
The blockade was lifted following a written assurance from the district authority, which agreed to re-examine the earlier notification issued on December 31.
According to the MLA, a joint team will soon conduct an on-ground verification of the disputed areas. The team will include local MLA Subodh Debbarma, MDC Uma Sankar Debbarma, five social workers from the region and representatives of the TTAADC, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will formally nominate the ADC representatives who will take part in the field visit. Senior officials from the state government at the DM and SDM levels are also expected to be part of the exercise.
During the blockade, protesters raised slogans such as “We will not allow ADC areas to become general areas” and “No Nagar Panchayat in ADC,” while holding placards calling for the protection of indigenous land and interests.
“The protest remained peaceful and the demonstrators placed their demands peacefully. The authorities accepted the demands, following which the blockade was withdrawn peacefully and normal traffic movement was restored,” said SDPO Bikash Senthia.
