Indefinite National Highway Blockade by TISF Causes Widespread Disruption

Agartala, Mar 22, 2025, By Our Correspondent

Agartala: Mar 22: An indefinite national highway blockade led by the Tripura Indigenous Students' Federation (TISF) has been causing severe disruptions across the state, as the group continues to demand the use of Roman script for the Kokborok language. The blockade, which began on Friday, has resulted in significant challenges for the general public, especially students, regular commuters, and those requiring emergency services.

Despite an agreement between the central government and Tipra Motha party leader Maharaja Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, which aimed to address the issue of Roman script use, party workers have defied this accord by continuing their blockade. The ongoing protests have paralyzed road transport, leaving many people stranded and causing major inconveniences.

In Teliamura, a long line of goods-carrying vehicles, including those transporting perishable goods, has formed, causing immense concern among drivers. Ambulances have also been caught in the blockade, delaying medical care for patients. The situation has become especially dire for bus drivers from Sonamura, who were unable to travel towards Agartala, further exacerbating the suffering of passengers.

The blockade persisted through Saturday in areas like Baramura and Bishramganj, where police efforts to clear the blockades using bricks and tree logs led to tense confrontations. Although police eventually managed to clear some blockades, the ongoing disruption continues to create chaos.

One of the most concerning aspects of the blockade is the 45-kilometer-long queue of goods-carrying vehicles, which has stretched all the way to Teliamura. The blockade has severely hampered road communication, particularly along the 21-kilometer stretch between Baramura and Teliamura.

With no effective measures from the administration to resolve the crisis, the blockade has become a disaster for the public, leaving citizens frustrated and in distress over the continued disruption of their daily activities.