Agartala: Talks between the Government of India and rebel outfits on the recently signed memorandum of settlement will resume once the screening of listed cadres is completed, according to a top leader of the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT-Ori). The screening committee, constituted by the government, is currently verifying the details of the cadres who laid down arms before the Tripura government on September 24.
Addressing a press conference at the Agartala Press Club, NLFT (Ori) chief Prasenjit Tripura declared that his group has permanently renounced its involvement in terror activities. He added that the organization’s name and insignia cannot be used for any illegal activities.
“We have joined the mainstream and are refraining from any activities deemed illegal. No one is authorized to use our group’s name for crimes like extortion or kidnappings in the state,” Tripura told reporters.
This follows similar statements made by three other rebel groups that also surrendered to the Tripura government. NLFT (BM) and NLFT (PD) held a joint press conference, and the All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) issued a press release affirming their departure from illegal activities.
When asked about the progress of the memorandum of settlement, signed on September 4, 2024, Tripura said, “A joint committee will be formed as per the Centre’s assurances. Members of the disbanded rebel outfits will submit their demands to the committee. State and central government officials will then discuss these demands, and a fund of Rs 250 crore will be released for development projects.”
He acknowledged that the process might have been delayed due to the festive season. “The whole country is celebrating one festival after another, which could explain the delay in forming the committees. However, the screening process for the cadres is ongoing, and once it’s completed, talks will resume,” he said.
Founded in 1989, the NLFT, along with the All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF), was notorious for its involvement in killings, extortion, and attacks on security forces. After 35 years of insurgency, all remaining factions of both groups officially joined the mainstream by signing the memorandum of settlement on September 4, 2024.
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