Agartala, June 12:
A 72-hour road and rail blockade called by the returnees of the banned militant organisations All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) and National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) began across Tripura from 6 AM on Friday, bringing renewed attention to their long-pending demands over rehabilitation and livelihood support.
The returnees alleged that several commitments made under the tripartite rehabilitation agreement signed in New Delhi more than two years ago have remained unfulfilled they alleged.
Their demands include proper implementation of rehabilitation measures, financial assistance, sustainable livelihood opportunities and other benefits promised under the agreement.
Amid massive security arrangements the blockade of national highway at Sadhupara and railway at Brighudaspar both under Champaknagar in West Tripura district was launched despite two rounds of discussions between the state government and the leadership of the former militants.
Although the talks were held in a positive atmosphere, the two sides failed to reach a final settlement, leading the returnees to go ahead with the agitation.
The blockade is scheduled to continue for 72 hours, during which the protesters block national highways and disrupt railway movement as part of their protest demanding early fulfilment of the agreement.
The returnees leadership had threatened that if their demands are not fulfilled the blockade might continue for indefinite period.
