Tripura records a historic milestone as 1,245 militants surrender with 147 arms since April 2023. Chief Minister Manik Saha highlights peace progress, rehabilitation packages, and the end of insurgent activity, marking a significant step toward stability and development in the northeastern state.
In a significant development for peace and stability in the northeastern state of Tripura, Chief Minister Manik Saha informed the State Legislative Assembly on Monday that 1,245 militants from different banned outfits have laid down their arms since April 1, 2023. The announcement marks a major milestone in the state’s long-standing efforts to end insurgency and reintegrate former militants into mainstream society.
Responding in writing to a question raised by Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury, the Chief Minister, who also holds the Home Department portfolio, stated that the surrender of militants occurred after April 2023 as part of peace initiatives and rehabilitation programs facilitated by security agencies and the government.
The written response further revealed that no fresh incidents of insurgent movement have been reported in the state since the specified cut-off date, reflecting a significant improvement in the security situation.
Largest Number from NLFT Biswa Mohan Faction
According to official data presented in the Assembly, the largest number of surrendered militants belonged to the NLFT Biswa Mohan faction of the National Liberation Front of Tripura. A total of 417 cadres, including the outfit’s self-styled supremo Biswa Mohan Debbarma, surrendered before security forces.
Another 394 militants from the NLFT Pariman Debbarma faction also laid down arms, while 223 cadres from the NLFT ORI faction joined the peace process. Meanwhile, 220 militants affiliated with the All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) surrendered as part of the agreement.
These surrenders reflect a collective shift among insurgent groups toward peace and democratic participation in the state.
147 Arms Recovered from Former Militants
Security forces also recovered 147 weapons surrendered by the former militants, most of which were locally manufactured firearms.
The weapons handed over included:
93 country-made guns
13 AK-series rifles
2 carbines
6 .303 rifles
4 Chinese rifles
1 Chinese pistol
1 CM Sten gun
8 pistols
4 revolvers
8 single-barrel metal guns
1 botamax launcher
4 Chinese grenades
2 airguns
Officials noted that the majority of the recovered weapons were country-made guns, reflecting the localized nature of militant activities in previous years.
Conditions of the Peace and Resettlement Agreement
The Assembly response also detailed the terms and conditions of the peace agreement signed between the Government of India and the militant outfits.
Under the agreement, members of the National Liberation Front of Tripura and the All Tripura Tiger Force must surrender all weapons and related equipment. After signing the agreement, possession of any weapon by members of these groups will be considered illegal.
The agreement also requires the organizations to abandon all secret operations and violent activities and return to normal civilian life.
Additionally, the groups have pledged to cease all armed activities within one month of signing the agreement and to actively promote social harmony and cooperation among different communities across the state.
They are also prohibited from assisting, training, or supplying arms to any other militant groups in the future, and must maintain no contact with such organizations.
Rehabilitation and Financial Support for Former Militants
The government has introduced a comprehensive rehabilitation package aimed at helping surrendered militants rebuild their lives.
According to the Assembly response, the Government of India may consider providing a special development package worth ₹250 crore over four years to support the socio-economic development of tribal communities in the state.
As part of the immediate rehabilitation assistance, each verified surrendered member will receive:
A fixed deposit of ₹4 lakh for three years, which can be used as collateral for loans to start self-employment ventures.
A monthly stipend of ₹6,000 for three years to cover food and accommodation while staying in rehabilitation camps.
If a surrendered member is rehabilitated before the three-year period ends, the monthly stipend will stop. Instead, the government will allocate ₹4 lakh in a fixed deposit in the individual’s name.
A Step Toward Lasting Peace
Officials believe the large-scale surrender signals a turning point in Tripura’s security landscape. With insurgent groups abandoning violence and joining mainstream society, the state government hopes to strengthen peace, development, and stability in the region.
| Also Read: Tripura declared insurgency-free after surrender of 584 militants |
The administration has emphasized that the rehabilitation programs, along with development initiatives for tribal communities, are essential to ensuring that former militants successfully reintegrate into society and contribute to the state’s long-term progress.
