Agartala, September 8: In a significant development towards lasting peace in Tripura, top leaders of the surrendered factions of the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT-BM), the All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF), and other various fractions of these insurgent groups, expressed full confidence in the current BJP-led government at the Centre and state.
They lauded the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha for their continued focus on the developmental needs of the indigenous population, which led to their decision to lay down arms.
The leaders, including Upendra Reang, Biswamohan Debbarma, Parimal Debbarma, and Alindra Debbarma, addressed a joint press conference on Sunday in Agartala informed this.
They were joined by former ATTF chief turned MLA Ranjit Debbarma, who has played a pivotal role in the transition of these militants back into mainstream society.
“We are confident in the BJP-led government’s commitment to the development of our indigenous people and areas,” said Upendra Reang, secretary general of the NLFT (BM).
Meantime, Biswamohan Debbarma said, “The ongoing projects focusing on infrastructure, education, and economic growth have shown us that there is hope beyond the insurgency.”
The peace accord, signed on September 4 last in New Delhi, officially brings to an end more than three and a half decades of tribal insurgency that disrupted life in the northeastern state.
The leaders said they were responding to the appeal made by the central government and were convinced of its dedication to ensuring the socio-economic upliftment of the indigenous population.
The former militants outlined a series of demands that they hope the government will address as part of the post-conflict resolution.
These include not just financial aid for infrastructure development in remote tribal areas but also social, political, cultural, and linguistic recognition for the indigenous communities.
“Our demands are multi-faceted. Along with financial packages, we are seeking political and cultural acknowledgment. We need the government’s support to preserve our history, language, and traditional practices,” said Upendra Reang.
He added that as per the information shared during the conference, 328 militants have already surrendered and integrated back into civilian life. Another 110 members of these groups are reportedly in the process of returning, with some awaiting formal enlistment, while others remain in foreign lands. The total number of those returning to civilian life is expected to reach around 500.
The leaders also revealed plans for the formation of a joint working committee that would monitor the implementation of the peace accord.
The committee will ensure that the terms of the agreement are adhered to within a set timeframe. It will also oversee the proper identification of militants who have surrendered and ensure they receive the support outlined in the peace deal.
The surrendered leaders took the opportunity to extend their gratitude to Prime Minister Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Manik Saha, and TIPRA Motha’s founder, Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, for their roles in bringing them back into normal life.
The signing of this accord marks a significant milestone in Tripura’s history, paving the way for lasting peace and development in the state.
With the surrender of the insurgents, the government is expected to shift its focus to enhancing the economic and infrastructural development of the region, especially in the remote tribal-dominated areas.
