Agartala, October 23, 2025: Tripura’s Baramura witnessed heightened unrest on Thursday as a 24-hour bandh called by an apolitical platform triggered widespread protests and disruptions across the region. Supporters of the strike began picketing early in the morning, blocking roads and setting tires ablaze to enforce the shutdown.

Protesters accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of failing to honor promises made to tribal communities. In a stark warning, demonstrators claimed the administration’s continued neglect was pushing them toward a repeat of the armed resistance seen in the 1980s.

The bandh’s impact was felt acutely in Baramura Hills, where an ambulance from Teliamura Sub-Divisional Hospital was reportedly obstructed and forced to return due to road blockades. The incident has sparked public outrage, with questions raised over the role of the Tripura Police, which holds the President’s Colours, for allegedly remaining passive during the turmoil.

Both railway and road networks were disrupted as protesters staged demonstrations across key transit routes. Despite the scale of the agitation, law enforcement agencies maintained a conspicuous silence, drawing criticism from civil society and opposition voices.

Speaking to reporters, former rebel leader Chitta Debbarma reflected on the historical context of tribal resistance in Tripura. “There was a time when the sons of the soil had to take up arms to fight for their rights. The state government never bothered to ask why,” he said.

Debbarma highlighted that militant groups like NLFT and ATTF had surrendered and returned to civilian life following appeals from the central government. However, he lamented that even after two years, the BJP-led administration had failed to implement the tripartite agreement that was part of the peace process.

“The BJP government has not fulfilled a single promise. Once again, they are forcing us to consider taking up arms like we did in 1980,” Debbarma warned.