Surrendered Militants Call Indefinite Road & Rail Blockade Ahead of Union Home Minister’s Tripura Visit

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, February 19, 2026

On the eve of the proposed visit of the Union Home Minister to Tripura, tension is mounting across the state as a section of surrendered militants has announced an indefinite blockade of national highways and railway tracks beginning tomorrow morning.

The agitation includes a road blockade across key national highways and a railway track blockade at Bhrigudas Para in Jirania under West Tripura District, potentially disrupting transport services and public life throughout the state.

Members of the Guerrilla Returnees Demand Committee, representing surrendered militants, have alleged that the Tripura Government has failed to implement the rehabilitation package promised to them at the time of surrender.

According to protest leader Dhananjay Tripura, despite repeated assurances and announcements of meetings, the Minister of Tribal Welfare, Bikash Debbarma, along with senior officials of the department including the Secretary and Director, have allegedly failed to attend scheduled meetings.

Sources claim that even today a meeting was reportedly convened, but both the minister and departmental head were not present in office. The returnees have termed this as irresponsible” and insulting, expressing deep resentment over what they describe as repeated administrative neglect.

Angered by the absence of government representatives and what they describe as continued delay tactics, the surrendered militants have decided to proceed with their earlier announcement of an indefinite blockade of road and rail routes from tomorrow morning.

If carried out, the blockade could severely affect interstate and intrastate transport systems.

Common citizens and students during their board examination are likely to bear the brunt of the disruption.

Significantly, there has been no official statement or press release from the Tribal Welfare Department regarding the grievances raised by the returnees. Neither has there been any visible initiative to engage in dialogue to prevent the blockade.

The absence of communication from the state government has raised serious concerns among the public regarding administrative preparedness and crisis management.

Meanwhile, in connection with the proposed visit of the Union Home Minister for the Joint Regional Official Language Conference of the Northern and Eastern Regions, an Advanced Security Liaison Meeting was held today at MBB Airport, Agartala, and Hapania International Fair Ground.

The meeting focused on strengthening security arrangements

Inter-departmental coordination

Ensuring smooth execution of the VVIP visit

However, sources indicate that the proposed road and rail blockade did not feature prominently in discussions, nor was any preventive strategy publicly communicated.

The apparent lack of urgency in addressing the agitation has led to growing public concern. Citizens are questioning how a democratic government can remain silent when a major road and railway blockade threatens widespread inconvenience and potential law-and-order challenges, especially ahead of a high-profile central visit.

As Tripura prepares to host a senior Union Minister, the coming days may test the state administration’s ability to balance security protocol, political sensitivity, and public welfare.

Further developments are awaited.

more news...