72-Hour Blockade Paralyzes Rail and Road Transport in Tripura
Agartala: Normal life across parts of Tripura was severely disrupted on Saturday as a 72-hour blockade called by former militants entered its second day. The protest, organized under the banner of the All Returnees’ Rehabilitation Committee (ARRC), led to widespread delays and cancellations in both train services and vehicular movement.
Members of the ARRC—an umbrella body representing seven surrendered militant groups—staged demonstrations at key transit points, including Hataikotor, Brigudasbari, and Khowai Chowmuhani in West Tripura district.
Impact on Rail and Road Travel
- National Highway Blocked: Protesters blocked the Assam-Agartala National Highway at Hataikotor, cutting off the vital lifeline connecting Tripura to the rest of the country and leaving the state largely isolated.
- Train Services Disrupted: Protesters squatted on railway tracks at Brigudasbari. In response, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) issued an official statement announcing short terminations, cancellations, and rescheduling for several local and long-distance trains.
- Peaceful Protests: A senior police officer confirmed that while vehicular and rail movement experienced heavy disruption, no incidents of violence were reported and the demonstrations remained peaceful.
