Agartala, Tripura: In a historic move towards peace and stability in the region, approximately 400 militants from the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and the All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) are set to lay down their arms on Tuesday, September 24. The formal surrender will take place in the presence of Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha at the headquarters of the 7th Battalion of Tripura State Rifles (TSR) in Jampuijala, Sepahijala district.
The decision for the militants to surrender comes after a significant memorandum of settlement was signed between the insurgent groups, the Centre, and the state government on September 4, during a meeting in Delhi that included Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This agreement is anticipated to pave the way for long-lasting peace in a state that has endured two decades of insurgency-related violence.
According to officials from the Home Department, all leaders of the NLFT and ATTF will participate in the surrender ceremony, symbolizing a collective commitment to abandon their militant activities. The insurgency, which began in the late 1990s, has led to widespread upheaval in Tripura, displacing thousands, particularly among non-tribal communities.
In conjunction with the surrender, the Centre has announced a comprehensive financial package of Rs 250 crore aimed at rehabilitating the militants of both groups. This initiative is intended to facilitate their reintegration into society and promote sustainable development in the region after years of conflict.
As Tripura prepares for this pivotal event, the hopes of many rest on the prospect of a peaceful future devoid of the violence that has long plagued the state. The surrender of these militants marks a crucial step towards healing and rebuilding in a community eager for peace.
