14 surrendered militants allegedly cross into Bangladesh: Tipra Motha MLA tells Tripura Assembly

The alleged movement of 14 surrendered militants from Tripura to Bangladesh sparked concern in the state Assembly on Monday, with TIPRA Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma seeking clarification from the government over the development.

Debbarma told the House that 14 former militants who had surrendered under the government’s rehabilitation process had recently crossed over into Bangladesh.

He cited a letter purportedly written by Rakesh Debbarma, general secretary of a faction of the All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF), to the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and Tribal Welfare Minister. According to the MLA, the letter contained details regarding the alleged movement of the former militants across the international border.

Debbarma further claimed that an individual identified as Alindra Debbarma had facilitated their passage into Bangladesh.

The TIPRA Motha legislator also questioned the government over repeated road blockades allegedly organised by different militant groups. He pointed out that several of these groups, according to him, were not associated with the NLFT or ATTF factions led by Biswa Mohan, which had entered into a tripartite agreement with the government as part of the peace and rehabilitation process.

He sought to know what steps the government had taken to address the activities of such groups and prevent further disruption.

As Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma did not immediately respond to the issue, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ratan Lal Nath intervened. Nath advised the minister to hold discussions with Ranjit Debbarma and resolve the matter.