Former Chairman of Tipra Motha, Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, made a significant move towards advocating for the demand for Greater Tipraland by meeting officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday. The meeting, which included discussions with interlocutor AK Mishra, aimed to give renewed impetus to the cause. After the meeting, Pradyot expressed his satisfaction, stating that the MHA officials listened patiently to their demands, signaling a positive engagement.
Pradyot underscored that the demand for Greater Tipraland is firmly rooted within the framework of the Constitution of India and is vital for the survival and welfare of the Tiprasa community. He also highlighted that the Indigenous People Front of Tripura (IPFT), a key ally of the ruling BJP, has raised similar demands in support of the cause. Drawing strength from this commonality, Pradyot asserted that a united front would enhance their chances of success.
Though specific details of the meeting were not disclosed, Pradyot confirmed that further discussions would be scheduled with MHA officials to continue the dialogue on this critical matter. The demand for Greater Tipraland aims to address the aspirations and concerns of the indigenous people of Tripura, seeking greater autonomy and recognition of their unique cultural identity.
Sukla Charan Noatia, the IPFT minister, affirmed that the meeting with AK Mishra focused on advocating for the rights of the indigenous people in Tripura and their demand for a separate Tipraland. The IPFT has consistently been a strong proponent of Greater Tipraland, considering it a core demand that reflects the aspirations of the indigenous community.
During the meeting, extensive discussions were held on various aspects related to Tipraland, including the potential adoption of the Roman script for Kokborok, the indigenous language of the region. This move is seen as an important step towards preserving and promoting the indigenous culture and heritage of Tripura.
Another critical point of discussion centered around the Constitution (125th Amendment) Bill, 2019, which aims to empower the indigenous tribal population of Tripura. This bill is viewed as a potential instrument to safeguard the rights and interests of the indigenous communities in the state.
Pradyot, who led the delegation, reiterated his unwavering commitment to finding a constitutional solution to the demand for Greater Tipraland. The issue has been a matter of intense deliberation and discourse, with various stakeholders voicing their opinions and aspirations.
Earlier in July, Pradyot met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to highlight the significance of a constitutional resolution to the demand for Greater Tipraland. He also had discussions with Amit Shah and BJP president JP Nadda following the formation of the BJP-led government in Tripura.
While the concept of Greater Tipraland has not been precisely delineated, it is believed to encompass regions from multiple northeastern states and potentially even areas in Bangladesh, alongside Tripura. During the party’s plenary session on July 16, Tipra Motha officially endorsed Greater Tipraland as its core demand, signifying its commitment to pursuing this cause through constitutional means.
Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, as a descendant of Tripura’s former royal family, holds considerable influence and leadership in the region. After resigning from the Congress in 2019, he founded Tipra Motha, and the regional party has since garnered significant support, currently holding 13 out of 60 seats in the assembly, making it a formidable political force in the BJP-ruled state.
With the meeting with MHA officials and the support of the IPFT, Pradyot and the proponents of Greater Tipraland have taken a proactive step towards advancing their cause. The demand for recognition and empowerment of the indigenous community’s unique identity is a vital aspect of the state’s socio-political landscape, and the dialogue with the central government authorities signifies an important development in the pursuit of this constitutional resolution.
