AGARTALA, March 16—The Left Front government in Tripura unveiled a two-pronged new policy to tackle militancy in the state, on Saturday, reports PTI. Chief Minister Manik Sarkar said the policy would try to solve the problems leading to extremism and at the same time mount pressure on militants “refusing to listen to reason”.
The state government would implement a 25-point tribal development package to achieve a tangible improvement in the quality of life and economy in interior tribal areas, he said. He renewed his appeal to militants to shun the path of violence and join the mainstream for development of the state because violence could not solve any problem.
“I also have no objection if the militants want to open dialogue with the Central government directly,” he said. “We will not only welcome it but also implement the rehabilitation process of insurgents if they come overground,” Sarkar said at a press conference here. Should an individual or organisation come forward to mediate with insurgent outfits, “we will welcome them,” he said.
At the same time counter-insurgency operations would be stepped up, he added. He said besides many ultra camps operating in Bangladesh, there were five camps of the banned National Liberation Front of Tripura in neighbouring Mizoram. He said the matter has been communicated to Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga.