NLFT Tripura: Origins, Timeline, Peace accord and the End of Insurgency

Introduction: This document offers a brief yet comprehensive overview of the Tripura insurgency, specifically focusing on the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT), tracing its origins, detailing its activities, and highlighting the recent peace accord that concluded decades of conflict in the region.

Historical Context: Tripura, once a princely state under the Manikya dynasty, maintained its sovereignty throughout British colonial rule. The state formally integrated into the Indian Union in 1949 and achieved full statehood in 1972.  

Demographic Transformation and Ethnic Tensions: Post-independence, Tripura witnessed substantial demographic changes due to the influx of Bengali refugees. This migration led to a significant decrease in the proportion of the indigenous tribal population, from 93% in 1947 to approximately 28.5% by 1981. These shifts resulted in land alienation among tribal communities, economic marginalization, cultural challenges, and ultimately, the emergence of ethnic tensions between the indigenous tribes and Bengali settlers.

Rise of Tribal Movements: In response to the socio-economic and cultural challenges, various tribal movements and organizations emerged, including the Tripura Upajati Juba Samiti (TUJS) formed in 1967, and the Tripura National Volunteers (TNV) established in 1978. These groups advocated for tribal rights and sought to address the growing concerns of the indigenous population.  

Formation of the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT): The formation of the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) in 1989 by Dhananjoy Reang stemmed from dissatisfaction with the TNV’s peace accord. The NLFT’s primary objectives included secession from India, the restoration of tribal lands, and the preservation of indigenous culture and identity.

Origins and Ideological Underpinnings: The NLFT’s emergence was primarily driven by the perceived marginalization of Tripura’s indigenous Tripuri population due to significant demographic changes. While the organization’s constitution espoused secular principles, it was often associated with Christian nationalism and faced accusations related to the banning of Hindu festivals and alleged forced conversions, contributing to communal tensions in the region.  

Organizational Structure and Internal Divisions: Over its operational history, the NLFT experienced several leadership transitions, leading to the formation of various factions, including:

• NLFT-Biswamohan (NLFT-BM): Active until the group’s disbandment in 2024.
• NLFT-Nayanbasi (NLFT-N): Active until 2004.
• NLFT-Parimal Debbarma (NLFT-PD): Active until 2024.
• NLFT-Prabhat Jamatya (NLFT-PJ): Active until 2014.
• NLFT-Subir Debbarma (NLFT-SD): Active until 2019.

These internal divisions often resulted in fragmented operations and diverse strategies within the broader separatist movement.

External Support and Operational Challenges: Despite being officially banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act of 1967, the NLFT managed to operate from bases located in neighboring Bangladesh, exploiting the porous border. Allegations of external support from various entities, including the Baptist Church of Tripura (which the church denied), surfaced over time.

NLFT Timeline (1989–2024): Key Events:

• March 12, 1989: The NLFT was founded by Dhananjoy Reang.
• 1991: The NLFT established its armed wing, the “National Holy Army,” marking the escalation of its militant activities.  
• 1992–2001: The NLFT conducted 81 attacks, resulting in the deaths of 764 civilians and 184 security personnel.
• 1997: Dhananjoy Reang surrendered to Indian authorities.  
• August 7, 1998: The NLFT kidnapped four senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leaders, who are presumed dead.
• May 20, 2000: NLFT militants killed 25 Bengali Hindus at the Bagber refugee camp.
• 2001: The NLFT was implicated in 826 reported terrorist attacks in Tripura, leading to 405 deaths and 481 kidnappings.
• December 17, 2004: The NLFT-Nayanbasi faction signed a peace accord with the Indian government, resulting in the surrender of 138 cadres.
• 2005–2015: The NLFT was responsible for 317 incidents, causing 62 civilian and 28 security personnel deaths.  
• August 10, 2019: The NLFT-Biswamohan faction signed a peace accord with the Indian government, leading to the surrender of 88 cadres.
• September 4, 2024: A comprehensive peace agreement was signed between the Government of India, the Government of Tripura, and the insurgent groups NLFT and All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF), effectively ending the 35-year-long insurgency in Tripura.  
• September 24, 2024: Following the peace accord, a significant surrender ceremony took place, with 584 militants from the NLFT and ATTF laying down their arms. As part of the agreement, 328 militants surrendered, and the Indian government announced a financial package of ₹250 crore for their rehabilitation. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha declared the state free from insurgency.  

NLFT’s Activities in Arunachal Pradesh: While the NLFT’s primary area of operation was Tripura, there is limited evidence to suggest significant activities in Arunachal Pradesh. The main insurgent groups active in Arunachal Pradesh were the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM and NSCN-K) and the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), particularly in the Tirap and Changlang districts.

The emergence of the NLFT was a direct consequence of long-term demographic shifts, cultural marginalization, and political discontent among Tripura’s indigenous communities. Its formation marked a significant and often violent chapter in the region’s struggle for identity and autonomy. The 2024 peace accord, culminating in the surrender of 584 militants and a ₹250 crore rehabilitation package, signifies a crucial step towards lasting peace and a renewed focus on development and tribal welfare in Tripura.