Tribunal upholds ban on NLFT and ATTF in Tripura
- In Reports
- 05:20 PM, May 23, 2024
- Myind Staff
A tribunal under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) has upheld the ban on the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) and their associated factions, wings, and frontal organisations. The tribunal stated that members of these groups have engaged in activities such as kidnapping for ransom and extortion. It further noted that these organisations have been operating from Bangladesh and possess properties in that country.
According to the tribunal, the groups have been endeavouring to bolster their influence by recruiting new members and expanding their support base for their secessionist objectives. It was noted that they also possess a substantial arsenal.
The Union Home Ministry designated the NLFT and the ATTF as "unlawful associations" under the UAPA in October 2023. Following a thorough review of the evidence supporting the ban, the tribunal confirmed it in March. The tribunal's decision was made public this week.
In its order, the tribunal stated that after objectively assessing the evidence provided by the Central government and the government of Tripura, it concluded that during the specified period, the two associations (NLFT and ATTF) had been engaging in unlawful activities. These activities were deemed to have the potential to undermine the authority of democratically elected governments at both the central and state levels.
The tribunal highlighted that the unlawful activities perpetrated by the groups had instilled fear and terror among the general populace, particularly in Tripura. It emphasised that such activities posed a serious threat to the security and integrity of the nation, as the two organisations persistently pursued their secessionist agendas.
Furthermore, the tribunal asserted that there was ample justification to declare the organisations and their factions as unlawful associations.
The evidence provided by the Centre and the Tripura government, which was submitted to the tribunal, forms an integral part of the order. It revealed that the NLFT had collaborated closely with other insurgent organisations in the northeast, operating from bases in Bangladesh. These organisations include the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), Kanglei Yaol Kanba Lup (KYKL), Kamtapur Liberation Organisation (KLO), National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM), and Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC).
The tribunal revealed that the NLFT was involved in supplying arms from Myanmar to Bangladesh-based outfits such as the United People Democratic Front (UPDF) and Marma Liberation Party (MLP). Intelligence inputs suggested that the NLFT sought to exploit political unrest in Bangladesh to strengthen its position.
Additionally, the tribunal stated that the NLFT had formed alliances with anti-Indo-Bangladesh forces, aiming to foment unrest in Bangladesh and destabilise India. It warned of a potential escalation in violent activities if there were changes in Bangladesh's political climate.
Regarding the ATTF, the tribunal noted that its armed members operated from camps in Bangladesh. While currently less active, the ATTF had reorganized in October 2017 and continued illegal activities, including protesting against Tripura's merger with India. The ATTF also had links with various northeast insurgent groups like the National Socialist Council of Nagaland - Khaplang (NSCN-K) and Kamtapur Liberation Organisation (KLO).
The tribunal highlighted that the ATTF is storing its weapons in Bangladesh and maintaining its connections with other Indian insurgent groups and anti-Indian entities in Bangladesh. It warned of a genuine risk of the ATTF resuming its operations in the future if the political situation in Bangladesh and Tripura becomes conducive to its activities.
Image source: India Today
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