Agartala | Monday, December 22, 2025 : The lifeline of the state, the Assam-Agartala National Highway (NH-08), came to a grinding halt this morning. Hundreds of returnee insurgents, belonging to various former militant groups, have launched an indefinite Assam-Agartala Highway Blockade 2025 at Khamthing Bari under the Jirania subdivision.
The protesters, which include former members of the NLFT and ATTF, have taken to the streets to voice their frustration over what they call “unfulfilled promises.” For hours, long queues of trucks carrying essential supplies and passenger vehicles have been stuck, with no immediate sign of the blockade being lifted.
Why are the Ex-Militants Protesting?
The core of the Assam-Agartala Highway Blockade 2025 lies in the rehabilitation packages promised by the government. Over the last few years, hundreds of insurgents laid down their arms under various peace accords, expecting a smooth transition into mainstream society.
However, the leaders of the protest group claim that the “rehabilitation” has remained mostly on paper. Their primary demands include:
- Immediate Financial Assistance: Disbursement of the remaining monthly stipends.
- Housing Support: Execution of the promised PMAY housing for returnees.
- Employment Opportunities: Government jobs or sustainable self-employment schemes as per the agreement.
- Land Allotment: Distribution of land for agricultural use.
“We came back to the mainstream trusting the government’s word,” one of the protesters told reporters at the site. “But today, we are struggling to feed our families. We didn’t want to block the road, but we have been left with no choice.”
Chaos at Khamthing Bari: Traffic and Security Update
The blockade at Khamthing Bari has turned the busy highway into a parking lot. Commuters traveling from Agartala toward North Tripura and Assam are the worst affected.
The Tripura Police, along with TSR (Tripura State Rifles) personnel, have been deployed in large numbers to prevent any escalation of violence. While the atmosphere remains tense, the protesters have remained peaceful so far, sitting across the road and raising slogans against the authorities.
Protest Overview: Key Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Khamthing Bari, Jirania (NH-08) |
| Primary Groups | Returnee insurgents (Former NLFT & ATTF) |
| Reason | Delay in rehabilitation & financial aid |
| Current Status | Highway blocked; Traffic diverted where possible |
| Demands | Jobs, Housing, and Land Allotment |
The Administration’s Stance
Senior officials from the West Tripura District Administration have reached the spot to initiate a dialogue with the protest leaders. The government’s stance has generally been that the rehabilitation process is ongoing but faces “procedural delays.”
However, the protesters seem in no mood to budge this time. They have made it clear that the Assam-Agartala Highway Blockade 2025 will continue until a written assurance or a concrete timeline is provided by the state government.
Stay tuned to tripura360.com for live updates.