Agartala, August 18, 2026: A road blockade announced by a section of surrendered militants associated with the NLFT and ATTF in different areas of Jirania subdivision was withdrawn on Tuesday morning following intervention by Tripura Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma.
The blockade, which began on Monday night, caused severe inconvenience to commuters and disrupted traffic movement along the national highway.
Minister Bikash Debbarma visited the Hatai Kotor area on Tuesday morning and held discussions with the protesters. He urged them to withdraw the blockade, stressing that road blockades cannot resolve grievances and that issues should instead be addressed through dialogue.
Speaking to the protesters, the minister said he had asked them to meet him at his office on August 21 to discuss their grievances, including pending cases and other benefits and facilities.
“Road blockades never solve problems. Issues can be resolved through dialogue and at the discussion table,” Debbarma said.
He said he had come on the instructions of Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha to listen to their concerns and assured them that their issues would be examined through discussions.
The minister also appealed for cooperation in taking Tripura forward, calling for people to work together towards building an “Ek Tripura, Shrestha Tripura, Bikashito Tripura.”
Following the minister’s intervention and assurance of further discussions on August 21, the protesters withdrew the blockade, bringing relief to commuters who had faced considerable difficulties due to the road disruption.
