CM Manik Saha Breaks Deadlock, 72-Hour Blockade Withdrawn Across Tripura
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Agartala
- Jun 12, 2026
- 217
A major disruption in Tripura was averted after leaders of the organizations behind the proposed 72-hour road and rail blockade agreed to withdraw their agitation following fresh assurances from the state government.
Sources familiar with the developments said negotiations initially remained inconclusive as several important demands raised by the protesters were yet to be addressed. Although discussions were held on reconsidering the strike call, protest leaders decided to continue with their planned agitation.
However, the situation changed after the government resumed talks with the representatives on Friday morning. Within hours, both sides reached a breakthrough, paving the way for the withdrawal of the blockade.
According to sources, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, who is currently in New Delhi attending a meeting of Northeastern Chief Ministers, personally intervened in the matter. He reportedly assured the protesting groups that all legitimate demands would receive due consideration and appropriate action from the government.
Following the Chief Minister's assurance, the organizations agreed to call off the strike.
Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma, accompanied by senior police officials, visited the protest locations and interacted with the agitators. Government representatives assured the protesters that their concerns would be addressed through dialogue and administrative action.
As a result, road and railway blockades imposed at three separate locations were lifted, restoring normal traffic movement across the affected areas.
The agitation had begun at 6 a.m., severely affecting transportation services. Vehicular movement along the vital Assam-Agartala National Highway came to a standstill, while railway operations also faced interruptions.
Public transport services connecting Agartala with North Tripura, Unakoti and Khowai districts remained largely suspended during the protest. In contrast, districts in southern Tripura, including Sepahijala, Gomati and South Tripura, witnessed minimal impact, with highways remaining open and traffic flowing normally.
Police sources confirmed that demonstrators assembled at three key locations. The primary highway blockade was organized at Hatai Kotor near the foothills of the Baramura range, while another protest was staged on railway tracks near Sadhupara.
West Tripura Superintendent of Police Namit Pathak stated that blockades were reported from three locations and no untoward incidents had occurred during the agitation.
Explaining the reason behind the protest, NLFT leader Prasenjit Debbarma said the organizations were dissatisfied with the pace of implementation of the tripartite peace accord signed in New Delhi on September 4, 2024.
He alleged that while various rehabilitation and socio-economic development projects had been initiated for former insurgents, several key provisions of the agreement had not been fully implemented. He also expressed concern over delays in the screening and verification process of former cadres associated with organizations such as NLFT and ATTF.
Debbarma said the blockade was intended to draw attention to these unresolved issues. However, he welcomed the government's latest assurances and expressed hope that the remaining concerns would be addressed in the coming days.
The withdrawal of the blockade has brought relief to commuters, transport operators and railway passengers across Tripura, ensuring the restoration of normal road and rail connectivity throughout the state.
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