AGARTALA: Train services and vehicular movement were affected in parts of Tripura on Saturday as a 72-hour blockade called by a forum of surrendered militants entered its second day.
The protesters, under the banner of the All Returnees’ Rehabilitation Committee, are demanding implementation of an 11-point charter, including a tripartite agreement under which seven militant groups surrendered their arms.
Hundreds of former militants blocked roads at Hataikotor, Brigudasbari and Khowai Chowmuhani in West Tripura district, a senior police officer said. Protesters also squatted on railway tracks at Brigudasbari, prompting the Northeast Frontier Railway to announce the short termination, cancellation and rescheduling of several trains, including long-distance services.
“The blockade has disrupted train services and vehicular movement, but it has been peaceful,” the police officer said.
Traffic along the Assam-Agartala National Highway at Hataikotor, a key road link to Tripura, was also severely affected.
The committee, representing seven surrendered militant groups, began the blockade on Friday, demanding implementation of the peace accord signed in 2024, under which the militants surrendered their arms before Chief Minister Manik Saha.
Following a meeting with former rebel leaders on Friday, West Tripura District Magistrate Vishal Kumar said the government was committed to implementing the accord in a time-bound manner. He said the former rebel leaders had raised several demands and the government was ready to work on them.
Among the protesters’ 11 demands are land rights for indigenous people and withdrawal of pending cases against surrendered militants.
The blockade is expected to continue until Sunday.
