Recently Tripura has been declared as liberated from insurgency where 584 militants of National Liberation Front of Tripura, (NLFT) and All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) have surrendered themselves. This crucial instance is the end of insurgency which has been a problem of this north-eastern state for decades now. The surrender ceremony at Tripura State Rifles headquarters parade ground of Sepahijala district was formally flagged off by the Chief Minister Manik Saha. Militant groups also deposited considerable volume of arms such as AK series, pistols, and grenades; this is a sign that they wanted to lead normal life upon embracing lay down.
This happened because of the signings of a peace and reconciliation agreement between the insurgent groups, the central and Tripura state governments on the 4th of September 2024. The accord signed by Chief Minister in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah has a major Rehabilitation policy for the surrendered militants. Many of these former combatants will be given a cash grant as well as vocational training after they are released by the groups and a follow up will be made to ensure that they settle well into civil life. Chief Minister Saha stressed on this development was necessary for the future of the state, and stated “‘development cannot happen if there is no peace’. We can conclude that Tripura is now free from extremism.”
Increase in socio-economic development is hoped for with the coming of the end of insurgency in Tripura. The state, where militant activities have reduced in recent past, will now be able to concentrate on development. These successfully executed disarmament and reintegration processes are received positively; it shows that indeed the government is spearoning its efforts in promoting peace as the militants show a willingness to change from being ‘hard’ combatants to non-violent citizens. This is not just a positive event for the people of Tripura but also can act as a blueprint to finding a solution to other insurgent movements in the rest of Northeast. Hailing this new change, the people of Tripura now look forward to rebuilding their state after signing of the peace accord.
Historical Background of Insurgency in Tripura
Rebels have been waging war against the government of Tripura in North East India since 1950; although the intensity of their actions has varied in the period between that time and today.
Early Start: It is Ethnic movement; Demographic changes are deep roots of the insurgency going on in Tripura, a north-eastern state of India. It is one of the Seven Sister States of North Eastern Region of India; the territory became a part of India in 1949 after India became free from British rule in 1947. The demography of the state changed drastically with the entry of Bengali refugees from erstwhile East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) into the state, the indigenous people of the state are the Tripuris and they faced several issues because of refugees.
Mid 80’s and 90’s: This demographic change deepened the tension on ethnic grounds and
the resentment by the sides of the indigenous tribes mainly because of the economic and
political power that the Chinese wielded at the time. Which some of the earlier groups
include the Tripura National Volunteers (TNV) formed in 1978 for the demand of Tripuri
and other rights to self-determination. Further aggravation to the insurgency problem was
the emergence of more strident groups in 1989, the National Liberation Front of Tripura and
in 1990, the All Tripura Tiger Force.
Fight for indigenous Tripuri people: These groups wished for an independent Tripura
or minimal autonomy for the indigenous Tripuri people. The insurgency was featured by a
number of attacks, kidnappings, extortions and this cost the state sharply in development
and much needed order.
Stop to Insurgency: Several peace propound initiatives were carried in the years but a
breakthrough could be seen in the recent landmark peace accord in 2024 that culminated
into the militants’ surrender and, Tripura declared as an insurgency-free state.
Development Prospects for Tripura Post-Insurgency
The declaration of Tripura as insurgency free is a historic turning point for socio economic
development of the state in question. Experiences in nonviolence and resettlement of former
militants in the society hold a promise of a new dawn for Tripura.
- First, with insurgency eradication the security situation within the framework of the
state will improve, which is a requirement for investors. Those establishments that
used to be threatened by acts of violence can now; consider investing in this area, the
Tripura. Much of this investment is expected to flow to local industries to nurture
them, create employment and spur on the economy.
- Second, the state government with the help of central governments has declared
handsome rehabilitation policy for the militancy surrender. Included in these
packages are cash transfers, training and hand holding for the purpose of setting up
new ventures. Besides, the following initiative will not only facilitate their
reintegration back into the community, but it will also increase the number of skilled
people in business creating employment for those who might be unemployed.
- Instead, due to enhanced security, there are positive prospects for the growth of
tourism industry. The Stop to insurgency-induced violence will help attract both
domestic and international tourists to the state and visit the existing hospitality and
service industries.
- Another major sector anticipated to receive the impetus of the newfound peace is the
development of infrastructure. The state government has been relieved from the
concern of insurgent attack and now can work more for the development of roads,
health care, education, other basic facilities. This shall improve the standards of
living for the people as well as provide suitable grounds for economic activities.
- Also, when a peace agreement is signed and the state is declared free of insurgency
this sends a proforma signal to other insurgent groups. It shows that the conflict
could have been solved through negotiations and does result into friendly talks.
To sum up, it can be said that the declaration of the Tripura free from insurgents is a major
direction to total development. Increased security measures, centre’s investment,
development in Tourism, and infrastructure facilities will prove vital in the development of
Tripura.
Steps Taken by State and Central Governments to Make Tripura Insurgency-Free
The declaration on Tripura as a state free from such activities can be associated with the
combined efforts of the state and central governments. They included a negotiating
approach, developmental endeavours, as well as, security undertakings covering the critical
factors of the insurgency and the promotion of peace.
Memorandum of Settlement
Another key measure was the entering into a Memorandum of Settlement with the militant
outfits – the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and All Tripura Tiger Force
(ATTF). This was an accord signed in September 2024 through the efforts of the central
government and it involved mass rehabilitation for the militants’ services. The packages
involved extended cash incentives for skills training and business incubation for the
establishment of new businesses to enable the former insurgent to become gainfully
employed and useful to society.
Funds for better tomorrow
The central government also approved ₹250-crore package to fund the transfer of the rebels.
This financial support played an important role in giving the right funds that let the
surrendered militants undergo rehabilitation and reintegration. Also, the government
bolstered up the TSR and local police strength and resources, for better security outfit for the
state of Tripura.
Development of State
Socio-Economic grievances were particularly associated with the insurgency and
developmental initiatives helped in tackling most of them. This made the state government
to invest more in infrastructure, healthcare and education hence offering the locals
opportunity otherwise they would engage in insurgent activities. The government also
focused on railways, roads and Airways to bring Tripura nearer to the other parts of the
country and to make it feel included and developed part of the country.
For Peace
Moreover, the actual government members offer to negotiate with the insurgent parties and
conduct non-stop discussions, which contributed to the peaceful suspension concept. Union
Home Minister Amit Shah and Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha were present as key
contributors ensuring that the peace agreement does not only benefit a certain sector but all
sectors.
What is Insurgency?
It is an organised rebellion against a recognised authority. This is normally inspired by
political, social or economic oppression whereby rebellion seeks to overthrow authority and
take control ore the administration and area.
How it hampers Development?
Insurgency is a cause and consequence of underdevelopment. It can cause:
- Firstly, it embraces a status of unpredictability that slows down investors’ credibility
and thus ultimately affects production activities. Companies do not want their
employees to go to work in war zones thus causing unemployment and slow
economic development. Investment in infrastructure projects are either stopped or
demolished, which hinders development more and more.
- Second, insurgency comes with high death rates, people displacement and other
effects such as post traumatic effects. This evicts people and bends groups and
stresses resources in less vulnerable zones thereby increasing poverty and social
disorder. Education and health care are regularly disrupted and people are being
denied their basic rights and options to improve their lives.
- Furthermore, the on-going experiences of violent attacks compel governments to
spend more on security, military and defence conking up substantial financial
resources that could have been employed on development projects. It degrades longterm planning and sustainability programs and activities, a sure sign that
bureaucratic efficiency sustains only administration’s authoritarian arrogance.
- Basically, insurgency is one with development in the way it brings insecurity, economic collapse, displacement of people as well as directives resources from
activities which can enhance development such as service delivery and enhancement
of infrastructures.
Conclusion
Lastly, the announcement of Tripura as free from insurgency is a great achievement in the history of the state in terms of ceasefire agreement, satisfying rehabilitation policies and programmes, and developmental action plans of both the state and central government. This historic achievement comes as blessing in disguise not only to bring lasting peace and stability in Tripura but also to set the tempo for faster socio- economic development. Due to better security condition, more investment and sound infrastructural facilities Tripura now awaits the dawn of a new era of overall prosperity as a model in solving insurgent problem in other parts of the country. The coming years seem brighter for Tripura and its population.