NATIONAL LIBERATION FRONT OF TRIPURA (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Internal Security)

Context: A total of six militants of the banned insurgent group  National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) surrendered before police with arms and ammunition.

National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT)

• About: It is a banned Tripuri nationalist terrorist organisation based in Tripura, India.
• Formation: March 12, 1989
• Objective: To establish an ‘independent’ Tripura through an armed struggle following the liberation from ‘Indian neo- colonialism and imperialism’ and furtherance of a ‘distinct and independent identity’.
• Personal Ambitions and Religious Factors: Nayanbasi Jamatiya and Biswamohan Debbarma lead factions due to personal ambitions and religious considerations.
• Debbarma's Deposition (June 2003): Biswamohan Debbarma deposed, Mantu Koloi appointed leader allegedly at Bangladesh's behest.

oDebbarma establishes separate camps on Tripura-Bangladesh border.

• Split and Reasons

oInternal Division (February 2001): Split into Biswamohan Debbarma and Nayanbasi Jamatiya factions.

oReasons: include reluctance to nominate Joshua Debbarma as 'Tripura Kingdom' King, fund misappropriation, lavish lifestyles, and forced religious conversions.