Tripura Police detained former NLFT members after foiling a 72-hour highway blockade attempt in Baramura during Durga Puja. Two constables were injured in a scuffle as authorities intervened to restore traffic and maintain public safety.
Tripura Police detained a group of former terrorists associated with a disbanded faction of the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) after they allegedly attempted to enforce a 72-hour highway blockade in the Baramura area on Saturday. Two police constables sustained injuries during a scuffle as authorities moved to clear the road and restore traffic movement during the Durga Puja festivities.
According to police, the protesters assembled near Sadhupara in the Chandrasadhup Para area and briefly obstructed traffic on a stretch of the national highway. The blockade prompted the intervention of the local administration and police to prevent further disruption to commuters and public transport during the festive period.
Officer-in-Charge of Jirania police station, Subimal Debnath, said a Deputy Collector and Magistrate initially approached the demonstrators and requested that they withdraw the blockade and clear the road. However, the protesters allegedly refused to comply with the appeal, following which police personnel intervened to remove them from the highway.
During the operation, a scuffle broke out between the protesters and police personnel. Two constables, identified as Prasenjit Das and Kajal Debbarma, sustained injuries in the incident. Both personnel were undergoing medical treatment, the officer said.
Following the intervention, the detained individuals were taken to the AD Nagar police lines in Agartala for further action, according to the police officer.
The group had reportedly called the 72-hour highway blockade to press for the fulfilment of demands concerning the transfer of benefits under a rehabilitation scheme approved by the Central government. The protesters sought action on issues related to the implementation of the scheme.
Police said the intervention was necessary to ensure the highway remained accessible and to minimise inconvenience to travellers during Durga Puja, when traffic movement increases across several parts of the state.
The incident occurred during the festive period, when authorities have been implementing security and traffic management measures to facilitate the movement of residents, visitors and emergency services. Officials intervened after the demonstrators briefly disrupted traffic and did not agree to the administration’s request to withdraw the blockade.
The detention of the former NLFT members followed the police operation to clear the highway. Further action against those detained is expected to proceed in accordance with the applicable law.
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The incident highlights the challenges faced by authorities in balancing protest-related demands with the need to maintain public order and uninterrupted transport services during major festivals. Police have reiterated the importance of keeping public roads accessible and ensuring the safety of commuters and law enforcement personnel.
No further details regarding possible charges or the subsequent status of the detained individuals were provided in the available information.
