Agartala: Pradyot Kishore Debbarman, the TIPRA Motha founder, sought to clarify his party’s aspirations from the central government. He stated that the demands he had been raising were based solely on the protection of land, language, and culture, with nothing beyond that.
Speaking exclusively to EastMojo shortly after announcing a fast-unto-death agitation, Debbarman said, “I am not asking the central government to throw people with Bangladeshi origins out of the country. I am not asking people to vote for me. There is no debate that this land belongs to us—the indigenous Tripuris—but what treatment we are being subjected to. Our people don’t claim ownership of their land. We don’t have the option to choose our script. Only two percent of the state’s budget is spent on 35 percent of the total population residing in TTAADC. The Central government has also agreed that improvement in the constitutional status of the tribal people living in Tripura is required.”
Terming the arrival of AK Mishra, advisor to the Government of India on North East affairs, as an acceptance from the central government of the issues he flagged, Pradyot said, “In all the meetings, I am said that we want protection of culture, land, and language; better flow of funds in the TTAADC areas, good infrastructure, better education, and as a whole a better future for the people.”
On being asked about the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, he said, “Any political party which will give us a written assurance is welcome. My doors are open for talks.”
Blaming politicians for playing politics and undermining the genuine sentiments of the people, Pradyot said, “I had enough scope of doing politics before the assembly elections but I refrained from taking any call that would harm the interests of my people.”
On his agitation, Pradyot said, “I have given enough chances to the government of India. I have spoken to the people in Congress as well. If they think keeping us on hold is the only option, then we must speak up. Today, the Tiprasa people have become a joke. I am giving up my luxury and sitting on the national highway to show solidarity with my people who are suffering. This is my way of telling the government of India that we are your children; you have spoken to everyone, and people make up your mind.”
According to party sources, February 28 is the tentative beginning date of the fast unto death agitation. The party leaders and workers will gather at the foothills of Hatai Kotor, previously known as Baramura.
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