Traffic along the crucial Assam–Agartala National Highway was brought to a complete standstill on Monday morning after three surrendered militant groups launched a joint protest at Baramura’s Hathai Kotor area. The agitation began around 6 am and was organised under the banner of the Tripura Guerrilla Returns Demand Committee, comprising former members of the JAC, JARC and DRMC groups.
The protesters, many of whom had laid down arms years ago to rejoin mainstream society, accused the government of failing to fulfil promises made at the time of their surrender. They raised multiple demands, including the immediate revival of the Rs 23 crore Board Rehabilitation Package, retention of the full budget under the Chief Minister Rubber Mission for 16,800 rubber saplings along with fencing support, and the withdrawal of all pending legal cases against surrendered guerrillas.
Due to the blockade, passenger buses, private vehicles and goods carriers were stranded for several hours, causing major inconvenience to commuters and disrupting the movement of essential supplies. The sudden halt in traffic led to frustration and anxiety among travellers and local residents who rely heavily on the highway for daily movement and trade.
In response, the administration moved swiftly to contain the situation. Jirania Sub-Divisional Magistrate Animesh Dhar arrived at the protest site along with a large administrative team and initiated dialogue with the agitators. Several rounds of negotiations were held amid a tense atmosphere. After nearly four and a half hours of discussions, the protesters agreed to withdraw the blockade, restoring traffic on the highway.
Speaking to reporters after the protest was called off, representatives of the committee expressed disappointment over the pace of rehabilitation. “We surrendered our weapons and chose peace, but rehabilitation remains only a promise on paper,” they said, adding that economic insecurity continues to plague former militants.
The incident has once again drawn attention to unresolved issues surrounding the rehabilitation and reintegration of surrendered militants in Tripura, serving as a warning sign of growing discontent that authorities may need to address urgently.
