Tripura: Former militants call 72-hour strike from June 12 over rehabilitation delays
Reported by Mrinal Banik
Agartala: Former militants belonging to the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and the All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) on Monday announced a 72-hour strike from June 12, alleging delay in implementation of a rehabilitation package promised under an agreement signed with the Centre and the Tripura government.
Addressing a press conference here, representatives of the surrendered groups said they would launch the agitation to press for implementation of commitments made under the September 4, 2024 agreement.
ATTF president Kalendra Debbarma, NLFT president Prasenjit Debbarma and other representatives alleged that a Rs 250-crore package earmarked for rehabilitation and development projects for surrendered members had not been implemented despite the passage of considerable time since the signing of the accord.
The leaders claimed that delays in execution of the rehabilitation measures had left many surrendered cadres facing hardship, with limited access to livelihood opportunities and healthcare facilities.
They further alleged that eight surrendered members had died during the period due to lack of adequate medical support and economic assistance.
The representatives said rehabilitation demands of surrendered groups in the past had been addressed within a relatively short period, but alleged that no effective action had been taken in the present case despite repeated representations to the concerned authorities.
As part of the proposed agitation, the surrendered members plan to enforce a 72-hour strike beginning June 12. They also announced road and rail blockade programmes in Khowai and Teliamura on the first day of the agitation.
The leaders said they were prepared to intensify their movement if the government did not initiate talks or take steps towards implementation of the agreement within a reasonable timeframe.
The strike call has raised concerns over possible disruption to transport services and public movement in parts of the state.