Tripura Returnees Demand Committee Withdraws June 5 Rail and Highway Blockade After Positive Talks with Minister Bikash Debbarma
Agartala, June 4, 2026: The Tripura Returnees Demand Committee (TRDC) on Thursday announced the withdrawal of its proposed rail and national highway blockade scheduled for June 5 following a successful meeting with Tripura Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma.
The committee had earlier called for a major blockade of the Assam–Agartala National Highway and railway lines to press for the fulfillment of several long-pending demands related to the rehabilitation and welfare of former returnees. However, after what both sides described as a positive and constructive discussion, the agitation was called off.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Minister Bikash Debbarma said the government had held an extensive discussion with the committee’s convenors regarding their five-point charter of demands. He assured that the state government is seriously considering the issues raised and will make every effort to address them in the coming days.
The minister emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and harmony across Tripura and the Northeast region. He highlighted how former insurgents and members of surrendered groups have returned to the mainstream under the leadership of the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister and are now contributing to the state’s development.
Confirming the withdrawal of the protest programme, Debbarma stated that the committee had agreed to cancel its planned road and rail blockade on June 5 following the discussions. He also announced that a larger review meeting involving all concerned line departments would be held in his chamber on June 9 to further examine the demands and work towards concrete solutions.
Responding to questions from journalists, the minister reiterated that there would be no disruption to transportation services on June 5.
“Rail and road communication will remain completely normal. There is no bandh or blockade tomorrow,” he said.
The minister also clarified that the meeting was not linked to the upcoming visit of the Union Home Minister. Instead, he said the government’s priority remains ensuring lasting peace and development in the state through regular engagement with all surrendered groups, including former members of the NLFT and other organizations.
Regarding financial concerns raised by the committee, Debbarma revealed that out of the ₹4 crore pending dues related to fencing work under the Rubber Mission scheme, ₹2 crore has already been released to various sub-divisions. The remaining ₹2 crore is expected to be released within the next one to two days.
Speaking on behalf of the Tripura Returnees Demand Committee, a committee representative thanked the media and social media platforms for highlighting their concerns. He said the committee had earlier announced a large-scale blockade programme on June 5 but decided to engage in dialogue after receiving a positive response from the state government.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Tribal Welfare Department, including the Secretary, Additional Secretary, Director, and other high-ranking officers.
According to the committee, the discussions on their five-point demand charter were fruitful and encouraging. Members expressed hope that the government would seriously consider their demands related to rehabilitation, welfare benefits, and overall development in returnee-populated areas.
Trusting the assurances provided by the minister and government officials, the committee formally announced the withdrawal of its planned rail and highway blockade.
As a result, rail services and traffic movement along the vital Assam–Agartala National Highway will continue to operate normally on June 5, bringing relief to commuters, transport operators, and businesses across the state.
