Surrendered militants launch hunger strike in Tripura

Peeved by government apathy, 26 surrendered militants have launched a hunger strike at Lachi Rehabilitation Camp in south Tripura's Santir Bazar sub-division, official sources said today.
The surrendered militants, who are undergoing vocational training, have been demanding BPL cards and loans from government departments.
Having failed to draw the attention of administration, all inmates of the camp began hunger strike on their 20-point charter of demands yesterday.
Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Uttam Mandal met the surrendered militants and appealed to them to withdraw their agitation.
"I have requested them to roll back their hunger strike as the government is ready to consider their demands, whatever they have," the SDM said.

According to rehabilitation agreement, all the surrendered militants have been provided a package comprising a fixed deposit of Rs 1.50 lakh and Rs 3,500 monthly stipend for each returnee.
"If they need more assistance for rehabilitation, the administration will consider their demands so that they could lead a decent life," the SDM said.