Tripura: Train services, vehicular movement hit as blockade by surrendered militants enters 2nd day

Agartala, Tripura experienced disrupted train services and vehicular movement on Saturday, marking the second day of a 72-hour blockade by a group of surrendered militants. The All Returnees Rehabilitation Committee, representing seven militant groups, called for the implementation of a tripartite agreement, which they signed in 2024, resulting in the surrender of arms.

The blockade, initiated on Friday, targeted roads at Hataikotor, Brigudasbari, and Khowai Chowmuhani in West Tripura, as well as the railway tracks at Brigudasbari. As a result, several trains, including long-distance ones, were either terminated, cancelled, or rescheduled by the Northeast Frontier Railway. The blockade has also severely impacted vehicular movement on the Assam-Agartala national highway, isolating Tripura from the rest of the country.

The militants' 11-point charter of demands includes land rights for indigenous people and the withdrawal of all pending cases against surrendered militants. A senior police officer stated that while the blockade has been peaceful, it has caused significant disruptions to train services and vehicular movement. The West Tripura District Magistrate, Vishal Kumar, confirmed that the government is committed to implementing the accord in a timely manner and that the militants are ready to discuss the government's proposals.