Guwahati:

Two insurgent groups in Tripura have agreed to give up arms and join the mainstream in a historic peace agreement signed with the Centre and the state government. With the singing of this agreement, Tripura is left with no insurgent groups after many decades.

“Today is a historic day for us. The struggle that we saw for the last 35 years, today I’m glad these groups have put down weapons and are walking on the path to peace,” Union Home Minister Amit Shah said.

He said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has been working tirelessly to fulfil Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed northeast, free from extremism, violence and conflict.

The two groups are the National Liberation Front of Tripura, and All Tripura Tiger Force.

Mr Shah said 328 members of the groups that have laid down arms will be integrated into society.

“We have invested Rs 2,500 crore for development of this region as well. We are not only signing peace agreements, but also implementing them on the ground,” the Home Minister said.

Tripura takes another step towards peace and prosperity with the signing of the agreement between the Government of India, Government of Tripura, National Liberation Front of Tripura, and All Tripura Tiger Force.
https://t.co/EZKhVM1vy1

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 4, 2024

“Under the leadership of PM Modi, the government has signed 12 important agreements to bring peace and prosperity in the northeast region, of which three relate to Tripura,” he said, adding 10,000 people have given up arms and joined the mainstream due to these agreements.

Pradyot Manikya Debburman, the founder of the Tipra Motha Party which is now an alliance parter of the BJP government in the state, also played a key role in the peace-building process in Tripura.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, and senior officials of the MHA and the state government attended the signing of the peace agreement.

At least a dozen houses and a few vehicles were set on fire by unidentified persons after an idol was found defaced at a temple in flood-hit Tripura, the police said on Monday, adding no one was reported injured.

The incident was reported from Ranirbazar district in West Tripura, some 10 km from capital Agartala.

There is heavy security deployment in the area to defuse tension, also prohibitory orders have been imposed in the Jirania subdivision under which Ranirbazar falls.

Under the prohibitory orders, assembly of five or more people is not allowed.

“Around 12 houses were set on fire at Ranirbazar by miscreants late on Sunday after an idol of Goddess Kali was found disfigured in Kaiturbari. A few motorcycles and pick-up vans were also gutted in the blaze,” Assistant Inspector General (Law and Order) Ananta Das told news agency PTI.

Witnesses said that the residents fled upon seeing the raging mob.

“Police will register a suo moto case once the assessment of loss of properties is completed. The situation is under control,” said the top police officer.

Tipra Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, expressing concern over the incident, has appealed to everyone to maintain law and order.

“Last night incident in Ranirbazar Kaiturbari area is a worrying sign with reports of communal clashes. I appeal to those who are responsible for maintaining law and order to follow the rule of law,” he wrote on Facebook.

“When our state is reeling under a natural disaster and so much of stress is there, some elements are only playing religious politics. Miscreants regardless of their faith must be dealt with firmly — law has to be neutral to all. I ask for Tripura to unite in these tough times and not fight with each other,” he added.

At least 26 persons have died and 1.17 lakh people have been rendered homeless in Tripura due to devastating floods since August 19.