Agartala: The Union Government is taking all possible steps to curb militancy in the Northeastern state of Tripura. In a decisive move to curb armed extremism in the state, the union government has declared the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and the All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) as unlawful associations for a period of 5 years. This declaration, effective from October 3, 2023, for a period of five years, will apply to all factions, wings, and frontal organisations associated with these extremist outfits.
In a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the government of India mentioned that both organisations are engaged in subversive and violent actions, undermining the government’s authority and spreading terror among the people as part of their objective. It should be mentioned that the extremist organisations NLFT and ATTF established were formed with the anti-national activity of creating an independent nation by secession of Tripura from India.
The Home Ministry notification further mentioned that both organisations have maintained close ties with other unlawful associations in the northeastern region, aiming to garner support for their secessionist agenda. Both NLFT and ATTF were recently engaged in violence and unlawful activities to achieve their aims and objectives, which are prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India. Not only that, both the extremist organisations have targeted civilians, police, and security personnel, causing loss of life. Moreover, both NLFT and ATTF have resorted to extortion of funds from the public, including businessmen and traders in Tripura. Furthermore,the groups have established and maintained camps in neighbouring countries for the purpose of safe sanctuary, training and procurement of arms and ammunition.
Top level sources in the Home Ministry said that the organisations have of late accelerated their anti-social and anti national activities. Demand for ransoms from traders, businessmen has increased to an alarming level. So taking immediate action to curb NLFT and ATTF was an utmost necessity. Otherwise NLFT and ATTF would escalate their secessionist, subversive, and violent activities in the state. Moreover they have established their camps in Bangladesh and procured arms and ammunition with the help of foreign terrorist groups. This could lead to anti-national activities in collusion with forces hostile to India’s sovereignty.
The National Liberation Front of Tripura is an extremist organisation established in 1989 based in Tripura and Bangladesh. It has an estimated 550 to 850 members. Their aim and objective is to secede from India and establish an independent Tripuri state. The All Tripura Tiger Force is an extremist group active In Tripura. It was founded in 1990, by a group of former Tripura National Volunteer members.
