Tripura: Tribunal confirms ban on NLFT & ATTF under UAPA

AGARTALA: A tribunal under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) has confirmed the ban on the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF), including their factions, wings, and frontal organisations.

The tribunal cited their involvement in kidnapping for ransom, extortion, and other unlawful activities. It was noted that these groups operate from Bangladesh, where they also hold properties.

The tribunal stated that both groups are actively working to consolidate their strength through new recruitments and expanding their base of sympathizers to further their secessionist agendas. Additionally, the groups are reported to possess significant weaponry.

In October 2023, the union home ministry declared NLFT and ATTF as “unlawful associations” under the UAPA.

The tribunal reviewed the evidence supporting the ban and confirmed it in March 2024. The decision was made public this week.

“In the absence of any materials against the declaration, the tribunal, on an objective assessment of the materials placed before it by the Central Government and the Government of Tripura, has concluded that the two associations [NLFT and ATTF] have been engaging in activities that are unlawful and undermine the authority of the democratically elected governments at the Centre and in the state,” the tribunal stated in its order.

The tribunal emphasized that the unlawful activities of these groups have instilled fear and terror among the general populace of Tripura.

“Such unlawful activities pose a serious threat and are prejudicial to the security and integrity of the nation, as the two organizations are found continuously pursuing their secessionist agendas.”

The tribunal found sufficient cause to declare the organizations and their factions as unlawful associations.

It cited material provided by the Centre and the Tripura government, indicating that NLFT is working in collaboration with other northeast insurgent organizations based in Bangladesh, including the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), Kanglei Yaol Kanba Lup (KYKL), Kamtapur Liberation Organisation (KLO), National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM), and Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC).

The tribunal noted that NLFT is engaged in the supply of arms from Myanmar to Bangladesh-based outfits like the United People Democratic Front (UPDF) and Marma Liberation Party (MLP).

Intelligence inputs suggest that NLFT is trying to consolidate its strength by exploiting political turmoil in Bangladesh.

“The outfit has struck a deal with forces inimical to Indo-Bangladesh friendship ties and is determined to work together with the objective of creating unrest in Bangladesh and disintegrating India,” the tribunal noted.

“It is expected that violent activities of the outfit will further rise if there is a change in the political climate in the neighbouring country Bangladesh.”

Regarding ATTF, the tribunal stated that its armed cadres operate from camps in Bangladesh.

“Though ATTF is not very active at present, its leaders or cadres reorganized in October 2017 and continue with illegal and subversive activities, such as protesting against the merger of Tripura with the Indian union,” it stated.

The ATTF maintains connections with various Northeast insurgent groups like the National Socialist Council of Nagaland – Khaplang (NSCN-K) and Kamtapur Liberation Organisation (KLO).

The tribunal concluded that ATTF is maintaining its weapons and networks with other Indian insurgent outfits and anti-Indian forces in Bangladesh.

"There is a real threat of ATTF reviving its activities in the future if the political climate in Bangladesh and Tripura becomes favourable.”