After peace accord with rebels, complete wiped-out insurgency from soil of Tripura, NLFT, ATTF leaders

After historic tripartite peace accord with insurgent groups of Tripura on September 4th last in New Delhi, in a significant development towards peace in Tripura, top leaders of the factions of the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT-BM), the All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF), NLFT(Parimal Debbarma)and other various fractions of these insurgent groups, expressed full confidence in the present regime of  BJP government at the Centre and state.

All the top leaders of both insurgent groups, including some surrendered rebels and some are under-ground rebels, who were returned back to maintain for peace accord addressing a press conference at ‘Manikya Court’ at North Gate area of Agartala on Sunday evening  lauded the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha for their continued endeavour  for the developmental needs of the indigenous population, which led to their decision to join the mainstream of life.

The leaders, including supremo NFLT(BM) Biswamohan Debbarma, general secretary Upendra Reang Parimal Debbarma of NLFT(PD), Prasenjit Debbarma (NFT) and Alindra Debbarma of ATTF and they were joined by former ATTF chief turned MLA of Tipra-Motha, Ranjit Debbarma, who has played an important role in the transition of these insurgents back into mainstream.

Home Minister Shah, Tripura Chief Minister Dr  Manik Saha, officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Tripura government were present at the agreement signing programme with two insurgent groups -- National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) -- in the national capital on September 4th last.

It may be recalled here that while chairing the signing ceremony, the Home Minister said that after 35 years of armed conflict, the cadres of the NLFT and the ATTF came to the mainstream, and decided to join the development process. Around 328 cadres of the two outfits would join the mainstream of life and take part in the developmental initiatives, HM Shah said, adding that a Rs 250 crore package has been sanctioned, and a special development initiative was undertaken for the tribals and their areas.

"We are confident in the BJP-led government’s commitment to the development of our indigenous people and areas," said Upendra Reang, secretary general of the NLFT (BM).

Speaking in the press meet Biswamohan Debbarma said, "The ongoing projects focusing on infrastructure, education, political and land rights and economic growth have shown us that there is hope beyond the insurgency."

The leaders said they were responding to the appeal made by the central government and were convinced of its dedication to ensuring the socio-economic upliftment of the indigenous population and before final accord, since January, 2024 they were invited by the senior official of India government including AK Mishra for signing of peace accord and finally, tripartite agreement signed on September 4th.

The former insurgents outlined a series of demands that they hope the government will address as part of the post-conflict resolution.

These include not just financial aid for infrastructure development in remote tribal areas but also social, political, cultural, and linguistic recognition for the indigenous communities.

"Our demands are multi-faceted. Along with financial packages, we are seeking political and cultural acknowledgment. We need the government’s support to preserve our history, language, and traditional practices," said Upendra Reang.

He added that as per the information shared during the conference, 328 militants have already surrendered and integrated back into civilian life. Another 110 members of these groups are reportedly in the process of returning, with some awaiting formal enlistment, while others remain in foreign lands. The total number of those returning to civilian life is expected to reach around 500. He also said that insurgency from the soil of Tripura has now been completely wiped out and remaining rebels will soon come back to the mainstream of life.

The leaders also revealed plans for the formation of a joint working committee that would monitor the implementation of the peace accord and as per peace accord no insurgent will leave and all of them will soon join the mainstream.

The committee will ensure that the terms of the agreement are adhered to within a set timeframe. It will also oversee the proper identification of militants who have surrendered and ensure they receive the support outlined in the peace deal, said rebel leaders and added that the phrases and clauses of the peace accord will be implemented as per decisions of the joint working group.

All updates of the peace accord will also be shared with media and people of the state soon after implementation of all phrases and clauses of the accord including surrender of remaining insurgents etc.

The surrendered leaders also extended their gratitude to Prime Minister Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, and supreme of Tipra-Motha Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, for their roles in bringing them back into normal life.