In a historic development for the Northeastern state of Tripura, a record number of 88 militants of the rebel outfit National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) of the Sabir Debbarma (SD) faction surrendered in presence of Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb and Deputy CM Jishnu Debbarma at an event on August 13th, 2019.
The 88 of them surrendered in a public function at Ambassa in Dhalai district with a huge cache of arms and ammunition. Earlier this week, a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the NLFT (SD), Tripura Government and the Central Government. According to the memorandum, NLFT (SD) agreed to join the mainstream and abide by the Indian Constitution.
Welcoming the move, the Chief Minister assured all possible help to the surrendered cadres and said that the state government is working towards the welfare of the tribal people.
“I welcome the surrendered members of NLFT who have chosen the path of obeying the constitution of India & abjuring the path of violence for a peaceful living. Gov’t will extend all help to them according to rehabilitation policies for a smoothly living in the mainstream,” Deb tweeted.
The cadres deposited 6 SLR, 3 Carbines, 4 Chinese rifles, 19 303 rifles, 9 wireless sets and many arms and ammunitions. As per the Mou, the state government will ensure education, medical care and economic development of the returnees. The state will also withdraw all cases lodged against them.
Guwahati | First Published: Aug 14, 2019
