An organisation representing former insurgents who have returned to mainstream life has announced an indefinite blockade of national highways and railway routes across Tripura from June 5, alleging prolonged delays in the implementation of their rehabilitation package.
The announcement was made during a press conference held in Agartala on Saturday, where leaders of the organisation accused both the state and central governments of failing to fulfil commitments made to surrendered militants regarding their rehabilitation and resettlement.
According to the organisation, the Government of India had sanctioned approximately Rs 45 crore before 2017 for the rehabilitation of former insurgents. However, its leaders alleged that the programme stalled after the BJP came to power in Tripura in 2018 and that many beneficiaries are still awaiting promised support.
The organisation claimed that despite repeated assurances from successive governments over the years, several key components of the rehabilitation package, including housing assistance, livelihood support and other welfare measures, have not been implemented.
The former insurgents further alleged that Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma had assured them in February this year that efforts would be made to revive the rehabilitation programme. According to the organisation, the assurance was given after they threatened to launch a road and rail blockade. However, they claimed that no significant progress has been made since then.
Expressing frustration over the delay, the organisation announced that it would begin an indefinite blockade of National Highways and railway tracks across the state from June 5 unless immediate action is taken to address its demands.
The group warned that the proposed agitation could severely disrupt transportation services and public movement across Tripura. It urged both the state government and the Centre to intervene urgently and initiate concrete measures to complete the rehabilitation process.
Among its key demands are the immediate implementation of the rehabilitation package allegedly sanctioned by the Centre, fulfilment of previous assurances regarding resettlement, provision of livelihood opportunities and other promised benefits, and the announcement of a clear timeline for completing the rehabilitation programme.
The organisation maintained that the blockade could be avoided if meaningful dialogue is initiated and concrete steps are taken before the deadline.
Government officials had not issued any immediate response to the announcement at the time of filing this report. Attention is now focused on whether discussions between the authorities and the former insurgents will take place before the proposed blockade begins on June 5.
