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Tripura : NLFT, ATTF to protest state’s merger with Indian Union |
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The National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and the All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) have joined hands to observe October 15 as black day in protest against the erstwhile princely Tripura’s merger with the Indian Union on that date in 1949.
Till 2003, the two outfits were sworn enemies and often fought pitched battles to extend or preserve their hegemony in the hilly areas of the state. But a series of surrenders and desertions by a large number of their cadres as well as top commanders have led to major depletion in the ranks of both.
After a secret meeting, the leaders of the two groups, including Ranjit Debbarma of the Tiger Force and Biswamohan Debbarma of the NLFT, reached an understanding last month over joint operations.
Sources said in order to make their presence felt the Tiger Force and the NLFT have also reached an understanding with the Kamtapur Liberation Organisation (KLO). They are preparing to launch joint operations with the KLO in the run-up to October 15 which they propose to observe as a black day. However, the nature and implication of their understanding with the KLO is still not clear, sources said.
The armed cadre of the outfits, who have already infiltrated some of the interior areas of the state after crossing over from Bangladesh, have launched their old campaign propagating that princely Tripura had been forced at gunpoint to merge with India in 1949.
However, according to one report, NLFT Commander Joshua Debbarma alias Jogendra, is preparing to lay down arms with over a hundred followers. Police said a severe resource crunch, restricted movement within Bangladesh and successful counter-insurgency operations over the past year had forced Debbarma to consider surrendering.
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