Agartala, February 25, 2025: The surrendered militant organization Tripura United Indigenous Returnees People’s Council (TUIRPC) has intensified its agitation by joining the indefinite blockade of the Assam-Agartala National Highway at Baramura Hills. The protest aimed at pressuring the government to fulfill its 21-point charter of demands has resulted in a complete standstill of vehicular movement on the crucial highway causing immense hardship for passengers.
Speaking on behalf of the organization, a senior leader Daniel Borok stated, “We have been left with no option but to take this step. The government had signed agreements with surrendered militant groups like NLFT and TNV, yet many of the promised facilities have not been provided. Cases are still being filed against us, and we are being dragged to courts despite choosing the path of peace. We have returned to normal life, but our problems remain unresolved.”
The protesters have, however, made an exception for emergency services and students appearing for exams, ensuring that their agitation does not affect critical needs.
Borok further emphasized the apolitical nature of their demands, stating, “The issues faced by surrendered groups should not be politicized. We have suffered years of deprivation, yet we chose peace over conflict. Today, Tripura enjoys stability because of our decision, but the government remains indifferent to our plight. If our demands are not met, this blockade will continue indefinitely.”
As the protest stretches on, thousands of commuters remain stranded, and pressure mounts on the administration to respond to the demands of the former insurgents.
