Pradyot Manikya Debbarma, the royal scion of Tripura, raised serious concerns over the ongoing dispute surrounding the land of the 14 Goddess Temple in Khayerpur, located on the outskirts of Agartala. During a review meeting held at the temple premises, he expressed strong discontent over the encroachment and alleged illegal occupation of the land. He emphasized the need for immediate intervention to protect the temple’s sanctity and respect the traditional heads responsible for its upkeep.
Speaking at the gathering, Pradyot asserted that the temple holds immense cultural and religious significance for the people of Tripura. He criticized the lack of attention given to the land dispute and accused authorities of failing to prevent encroachment. He insisted that the temple’s traditional custodians, including the local spiritual leaders and temple heads, must be given due respect and authority in matters concerning its land and administration.
Pradyot pointed out that the encroachment issue was not recent but had been growing over time due to administrative negligence. He urged the government to take decisive action against those involved in unauthorized occupation. He also called for a transparent land survey to determine the extent of encroachment and to restore any lost property to the temple. He stated that allowing such encroachments to continue would set a dangerous precedent, threatening the future of religious and historical sites in the state.
During his address, Pradyot reaffirmed his commitment to protecting Tripura’s indigenous traditions and institutions. He stressed that temples like the 14 Goddess Temple are not just places of worship but also symbols of the region’s heritage. He expressed concern that if the government continued to overlook such disputes, it would weaken the cultural foundations of the state. He urged all stakeholders, including government officials, religious leaders, and the public, to work together in safeguarding these sacred sites.
The temple, which has long been associated with the royal family, stands as an important religious landmark in Tripura. Pradyot acknowledged the historical role of the Manikya dynasty in preserving the temple and its traditions. He argued that any attempt to diminish the temple’s authority by encroaching on its land is an attack on the cultural identity of the region. He warned that ignoring the traditional heads of the temple in such matters would lead to further unrest and dissatisfaction among the indigenous communities.
Pradyot also addressed the broader implications of the dispute, linking it to the rights of indigenous people in Tripura. He stated that issues of land encroachment often extend beyond religious sites and affect indigenous land rights as a whole. He called for stricter policies to prevent unlawful land grabs and ensure that traditional institutions remain protected. He reaffirmed his stance that any resolution must include consultations with the temple’s traditional custodians, who have played a vital role in maintaining the site for generations.
Local residents and temple authorities present at the meeting echoed Pradyot’s concerns, expressing frustration over the encroachment. Many claimed that commercial establishments and private structures had gradually taken over portions of the temple land. They demanded swift action from the authorities to reclaim the occupied areas and prevent further illegal constructions. Some religious leaders emphasized that the dispute had created tensions among devotees and urged the administration to take steps to resolve the issue peacefully.
Pradyot emphasized that this was not a political matter but a cultural and historical issue that required urgent attention. He urged the government to engage with the local community and traditional temple heads to find a fair solution. He warned that continued negligence could lead to growing resentment and dissatisfaction among those who have long been associated with the temple.
The state government has yet to issue an official response to Pradyot’s demands. However, officials familiar with the matter have acknowledged that the dispute requires serious consideration. Discussions are expected in the coming days to address the concerns raised and explore possible legal and administrative solutions.
Pradyot concluded his address by reaffirming his dedication to protecting the temple and its traditions. He called for unity among the people of Tripura to safeguard their heritage and prevent further loss of cultural landmarks. He expressed hope that the authorities would act in the best interest of the temple and its historical significance.
