Former Insurgents Call for Indefinite Road and Rail Blockade in Tripura on June 5 Over Rehabilitation Demands
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, May 30, 2026
An organization representing former insurgents who have returned to mainstream life has announced an indefinite blockade of national highways and railway routes across Tripura from June 5, alleging prolonged government inaction over their rehabilitation package.
Addressing a press conference on Saturday morning, leaders of the organization claimed that the Government of India had sanctioned approximately Rs.45 crore before 2017 for the rehabilitation and resettlement of surrendered militants. However, they alleged that after the BJP government assumed office in Tripura in 2018, the implementation of the rehabilitation programme came to a halt.
The organization stated that despite repeated assurances from the state government over the past several years, the rehabilitation process has not been completed. According to the former insurgents, successive commitments made by the government regarding housing, livelihood support, and other rehabilitation measures have remained unfulfilled.
The leaders further alleged that in February this year, Tripura's Tribal Welfare Minister, Bikash Debbarma, had once again assured them that steps would be taken to revive the stalled rehabilitation programme. The assurance reportedly came amid threats of a road and rail blockade by the surrendered militants. However, they claimed that no concrete action has followed the minister's promise.
Expressing frustration over what they described as years of neglect, the organization announced that it would launch an indefinite blockade of National Highways and railway tracks from June 5 unless immediate measures are taken to address their demands.
The organization warned that the agitation could significantly affect transportation and public movement across the state. It urged both the state and central governments to intervene urgently and implement the long-pending rehabilitation package to avoid disruption of normal life.
Government officials had not immediately responded to the latest announcement at the time of filing this report.
Key Demands Raised by the Former Insurgents
Immediate implementation of the rehabilitation package allegedly sanctioned by the Centre.
Fulfilment of previous government assurances regarding rehabilitation and resettlement.
Provision of livelihood opportunities and other promised benefits for surrendered militants.
A clear timeline from the government for completing the rehabilitation process.
The announcement has set the stage for a fresh confrontation between the former insurgents' organization and the state administration, with attention now focused on whether the government will initiate dialogue before the proposed June 5 blockade.
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