Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, royal scion of Tripura and chairman of the Tipraha Indigenous Progressive Regional Alliance (TIPRA), has expressed his firm support for strengthening the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC). In a message that has drawn attention in both Tripura and Assam, he highlighted the importance of strong leadership and solidarity among indigenous communities.
Speaking on the significance of unity, Pradyot Bikram Manikya noted that every community requires leaders who are not only strong but also command respect, even from opponents. He emphasized that the survival and progress of indigenous people often depend on the ability to stand firm against opposition and challenges.
Addressing the people of Bodoland, he assured them of the solidarity of the Tiprasa community from Tripura. “To the people of Bodoland, we the Tiprasa people are with you,” he affirmed, underlining the shared struggles and aspirations of indigenous groups across the Northeast.
The statement comes at a time when discussions around greater autonomy and empowerment of the Bodoland Territorial Council continue to gain momentum. Leaders and community members in Bodoland have been pressing for stronger mechanisms of governance and decision-making powers within the council, which governs the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) in Assam.
Pradyot’s message is being seen as an effort to bridge regional solidarity and strengthen the collective voice of indigenous communities in the Northeast. Observers note that his remarks not only reaffirm his long-standing advocacy for indigenous rights but also signal cross-regional support that could influence political narratives in the region.
Known for his outspoken leadership, Pradyot Bikram Manikya has often raised issues concerning the rights, identity, and welfare of the indigenous Tiprasa people of Tripura. His support for Bodoland reflects a wider vision of unity among indigenous groups across state boundaries, aiming for a stronger collective stance on cultural preservation and political empowerment.
The expression of solidarity has been well-received among many in Bodoland, where demands for strengthening the BTC continue to shape political discourse. With indigenous leaders across the region seeking greater recognition and rights, cross-community support such as this is being viewed as a positive step toward building a united front.