Police Foil NH-8 Blockade Attempt at Baramura, 15–20 Surrendered Militants Detained, NH and Railway Lines Clear Across Tripura

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, October 17, 2026

Tripura Police on Saturday morning foiled an attempt to block the Assam–Agartala National Highway (NH-8) in the Baramura Hill area by detaining around 15–20 people reportedly associated with a surrendered militant group before the proposed agitation could disrupt road traffic. National highways and railway lines remained clear across Tripura, and vehicular movement and rail services were not reported to have been disrupted by the proposed blockade.

According to information shared by the Tripura Police SP Control, around 15–20 people were detained at Hataikotor under Jirania Police Station at approximately 5:15 AM on Saturday. The police action came a day after a group of surrendered militants allegedly announced on social media a 72-hour road blockade programme beginning October 17, accusing the Tripura and Central governments of failing to fulfil earlier assurances concerning their rehabilitation and other demands.

The proposed blockade had triggered concern across the state, particularly because it coincided with the Durga Puja festive season, when thousands of people travel between Agartala and other parts of Tripura. Any prolonged disruption on NH-8, one of the state's most important road links, could have affected passenger movement, the transportation of essential commodities and emergency services.

Police intervened early in the morning to prevent the proposed agitation from disrupting normal traffic. The police administration reportedly made it clear that attempts to obstruct vehicular movement and cause inconvenience to the public during the festive season would not be tolerated. The timely intervention helped prevent the situation from escalating into a major road blockade.

Members of the surrendered militant group have reportedly alleged that the BJP-led state government and the Central government have failed to implement earlier assurances regarding rehabilitation and other issues. They have expressed dissatisfaction over delays in fulfilling their demands and warned of intensified agitation. However, the specific demands behind the proposed blockade and the details of the alleged assurances were not immediately available for independent verification.

The development had raised apprehensions among commuters, transport operators and residents, as a prolonged blockade at Baramura Hill could have affected connectivity between Agartala and other destinations. The uninterrupted movement of passenger vehicles, goods carriers and emergency vehicles is particularly important during the Durga Puja celebrations.

However, the situation remained under control following the police intervention. National highways and railway lines across Tripura remained clear, with no reported disruption to road or rail connectivity in connection with the proposed agitation.

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