Agartala: The Left Front in Tripura, which had used the solution of the insurgency problem in the state as a poll plank in the run-up to the just concluded Assembly polls, on March 15 unveiled a new policy to tackle militancy.

Chief Minister Manik Sarkar told reporters that the policy would, on one hand, try to solve the problems leading to extremism and at the same time mount pressure on militants refusing to listen to reason.

In trying to solve the problems leading to insurgency, 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 also renewed his appeal to the militants to shun the path of violence and join the mainstream for the development of the state because violence, he said, 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.

Should any body or organisation come forward to mediate with insurgent outfits, he said, "we will also welcome them".

At the same time, he said, counter-insurgency operations would be stepped up.

He also said that beside many ultra-run camps in Bangladesh, there were five of the banned National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) in neighbouring Mizoram.

He said that the matter had been communicated to Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga.

PTI