Tripura, 12 June: The 72-hour rail and national highway blockade called by surrendered cadres of NLFT and ATTF was withdrawn on Friday following the intervention of the Tripura government and assurances from Chief Minister Manik Saha.
Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma, along with senior police and administrative officials, visited the blockade site at Hathaikotor and held discussions with the protesters.
Speaking to the media, organization president Prasenjit Debbarma said the agitation was launched over issues related to the implementation of the September 4, 2024 accord signed with the surrendered cadres. He stated that a high-level meeting held at the Secretariat on Thursday with officials from the Home Department, Tribal Welfare Department, Intelligence Wing and other agencies had resolved a majority of the concerns.
According to Debbarma, the Chief Minister has conveyed a message assuring that he will personally chair a meeting on the remaining issues. The proposed meeting will also be attended by the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police (DGP), Tribal Welfare Minister, IGP (Intelligence), and other senior officials.
“In view of the government’s assurance and the Chief Minister’s commitment to directly oversee the matter, we have decided to withdraw the blockade,” Debbarma said.
Responding to questions from reporters, he rejected suggestions that the agitation was politically motivated, stating that the organizations had received assurances from authorized government representatives and that some commitments had already been provided in writing.
Meanwhile, Minister Bikash Debbarma informed the protesters that the state government has sanctioned ₹250 crore for the development and rehabilitation of surrendered cadres and their communities. He said the funds would be utilized for various welfare and development initiatives.
The withdrawal of the blockade brought relief to thousands of commuters and transport operators who had faced severe disruptions during the protest. However, the organizations cautioned that they would review their future course of action if the agreed demands are not implemented within a reasonable timeframe.
