Retrospection of Tripura
- Part 2 -

By Robert Lanky *

The dividends of remarkable counter insurgency success continue to accumulate in the north-eastern State of Tripura, even as some of the other states of the region continue to teeter on the brink of chaos. It is very heartning to see & hear the media reports and statements of erst -while top cops and security personal that, " Insurgency in Tripura is on Wane". With the improvement of insurgency situation, Tripura witnessed significant development of bilateral trade with its neighbouring country despite multifold increase in taxes by Bangladesh.

The state which was once known as the 'abduction capital of the North East', is peaceful and prosperous now, said Mr BL Vohra, the former Director General of Police. With determination, political support and 'Will Power' the State has recorded a remarkable achievement in managing the two and half decade old militancy. Full scale militancy started in Tripura from 1993, though the Tripura National Volunteers, the first armed squad, was set up in the late 1970s. But Now, more than two and half decade later, in the state only two major militant outfits, the All Tripura Tiger's Forces (ATTF) and the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) are active in and out side the state (Bangladesh).

According to the informations available, the purported objective of the NLFT was to establish : Independent Tripura through armed struggle following the liberation from Indian neo-colonialism and imperialism and furtherance of a 'distinct and independent identity' Similarly, All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) has its own objectives as Expulsion of all Bengali-speaking immigrant settlers who entered Tripura after 1956. Restoration of land to tribals under 'Tripura Land Revenue and Land Reforms Act, 1960'. Removal of names of migrants who entered Tripura after 1956 from the electoral roll.

Over the years both groups deviated from their main goal. They involved themselves in doing many nefarious activities like narcotic business, smuggling of arms and extortion from the people. The ATTF has established linkage with other terrorist groups and made their headquarter at Tarabon in Bangladesh which was also used as makeshift headquarters of Arbinda Rajkhowa (ULFA Chairman) who is presently lodged in Jail at Guwahati with nine other top leaders of the outfit. It was revealed later that ATTF has linkage with other terrorist group operating in India's North East ie. NSCN (k), ULFA, PLA, PREPAK and RPF. As far as NLFT is concerned, In Feb 2001, it split in two group, NLFT(B) headed by Biswamohan

Debbarma and the other group headed by Nayanbasi Jamatiya. In 2003, Montu Kolai was reportedly made leader of NLFT(B) faction. The split among the group had led to a spate of violent internecine clashes in Tripura and in Bangladesh. NLFT, over a period of time developed trans-border linkages in Myanmar and Bhutan also. As per police sources-the NLFT also has linkages with the Nagaland-based NSCN(IM), the Manipur-based KYKL, NDFB of Assam and the Meghalaya based Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council(HNLC).

Ethnic Killings have been the most deplorable aspect of militancy in Tripura. Tribal militants belonging to the NLFT or the ATTF have persistently followed a policy of ethnic cleansing. They wanted to force Bengalis, mostly from erstwhile East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), out of the state where tribal people once formed the majority. Militant tribal leaders knew that they cannot achieve their objective of becoming the majority as Bengalis now constitute over 60 percent of the state's population. Hence, they tried to instill a sense of fear in the minds of the Bengali people through violence and ethnic killings.

Militancy in Tripura has reached to its peak in year 2001. Many schools in far-flung areas of Tripura were closed, vehicular traffic along the Guwahati-Agartala highway, life line of the state's economy was threatened due to ambush and illegal taxes collected on gun point ; Kidnapping for ransom was almost an every day affair. Extremists in Tripura enjoyed an operational advantage as the state is surrounded on three sides by Bangladesh to escape whenever security forces had intensified their operations. As per the govt's statement few years back the NLFT & ATTF together had as many as fifty hideouts across Bangladesh, from where they carried out strike in the State.

But over the years, efforts of security forces (Assam Rifles, TSR & State Police together) and Central Govt in Delhi had proved the dividends. But, it would not have been possible without the support of local populace. In one decade from 2001-2010, more than 200 security forces personnel have laid down their lives. Co-operation between New Delhi and Dhaka on terrorism has turned the table.

The year 2009 saw a further drastic decline in insurgency-related activities. In the year 2009, indeed, a dramatic recovery from the three digit annual militancy related fatalities.

Militancy Related Fatalities in Tripura, 2001-2009

Source-SATP & MHA

According to the database and sources in 2009, there have been 245 surrenders and 85 apprehensions of terrorists in the state. But, out of these only 65-70 weapons have been recovered. This is the point to ponder for security personnel (Para Military Forces & State Police). While doing investigation, security agencies should try to find out the reasons and inside story for less number of weapons being given by surrenderes. During investigation by security forces of surrendered cadres of various outfits, it has come out that militants had fled Bangladesh due to serious shortage of food and basic amenity at their camps.

The militants have also stated that they had found it increasingly difficult to move freely in Bangladesh after the formation of the Awami League Government in January 2009. In the first week of December-2009, there have been lots of speculations among the people and media as well that, Bishwamohan Debburma and Montu Kolai have been apprehended by security forces at Dawki, Border Out Post of BSF. But, it was negated by state government. However, insiders from security agencies and sources from across the border(Bangladesh) informing that, Bishwamohan Debbarma and Montu Koloi are under custody of Bangladesh Rifles in Bangladesh.

The continuous stream of surrenders and the sense of entitlement have generated some administrative problems as surrendered militants complained about delays in their promised resettlement. They alleged Government has not fulfilled its promises. With peace returning to militancy ravaged state, escort system for vehicles plying on NH-44 which connects the state with outer world through Assam was withdrawn on December 21 after 15 years.

Despite having the lowest militancy related causalities in the year 2009, there have been few incidents in the months of Oct-Nov when innocent civilians (relatives of surrendered militants) were subjected to killings by Cadres of militant groups. What is required at this juncture is that State Government in conjunction with Central Govt must commence rehabilitation process of surrendered militants and enter into an extradition treaty with Bangladesh to get hold of militants hiding there. Sealing of border effectively is also of prime importance and speedy completion of barbed wire fencing is a must.

Successful counter-insurgency operations and support from the common public against terrorism over the years have brought the peace in Tripura. The model of response in the state, where the Tripura police with Assam Rifles was the lead agency in the counter-insurgency grid, can provide valuable lessons to security agencies in fighting insurgencies else- where in the North East and across the country.

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* Robert Lanky, freelancer based in North East, contributes to e-pao.net regularly. The writer can be contacted at robertlanky(at)gmail(dot)com
This article was webcasted on January 24th 2010.

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