Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Tuesday declared the northeastern state insurgency-free following the surrender of 584 militants belonging to the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and the All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF). The militants laid down their arms during a formal ceremony held at the Tripura State Rifles (TSR) Seventh Battalion headquarters in Jampuijala, Sepahijala district.
Welcoming the militants back into the fold, CM Saha emphasized the futility of violence in achieving development and prosperity. “Through violence and terrorism, no development is possible. Peace is vital for the growth of the country and the welfare of its people. Without peace, no community can develop,” said the Chief Minister, who also oversees the Home Department. He further stressed that Tripura has now become a fully insurgency-free state, marking the end of decades-long unrest.
The surrender comes three weeks after the signing of a peace agreement between the central government, the Tripura government, and leaders of the NLFT and ATTF in Delhi. The agreement, witnessed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, CM Saha, and key officials, has paved the way for the integration of militant cadres back into mainstream society.
The militants, who have laid down 168 weapons, including sophisticated arms and a large cache of ammunition, were assured of support for their rehabilitation. CM Saha credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for their decisive roles in bringing peace to the region, noting that 12 peace agreements have been signed with various northeastern militant groups in recent years, three of which involved Tripura.
“Today, with the surrender of these youths, we can say that Tripura is free from insurgency,” said Saha. He also highlighted the government’s initiatives to prioritize the development and welfare of the state’s tribal communities, stressing that such efforts played a pivotal role in quelling the insurgency.
NLFT President Biswamohan Debbarma expressed satisfaction with the peace accord and the opportunity to return to normal life. “After seven months of discussions, we have decided to surrender to the government. More of our cadres will join the mainstream in the coming months,” he stated. Another NLFT leader, Prasenjit Debbarma, revealed that some NLFT members still in Bangladesh would return to India soon, overcoming communication gaps caused by unrest in the neighboring country.
The Home Department officials confirmed that while 584 militants surrendered on Tuesday, more cadres from both NLFT and ATTF are expected to follow in the coming months, marking a conclusive end to Tripura’s insurgency period.
