Agartala: In a key development, Tipra Motha Party founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarman and party president BK Hrangkhawl have been invited to attend the first Joint Working Group meeting for the tripartite Tiprasa Accord, signed on March 2, 2024.
The invitation, issued by Rajeev Kumar, Under Secretary to the Government of India, reads: “I am directed to refer to this Ministry’s order regarding the Constitution of the Joint Working Group/Committee in pursuance of the Tripartite Agreement among the Government of India, Government of Tripura, and ‘The Indigenous Progressive Regional Alliance’ signed on 02.03.2024 and to say that the first meeting of the Joint Working Group/Committee is scheduled to be held at 12 noon on 20.09.2024 in New Delhi. The exact venue of the meeting will be intimated subsequently.”
Pradyot Kishore Debbarman shared his thoughts on the upcoming meeting, stating, “I have been waiting for the official invitation so that the talks between the signatories of the historic tripartite agreement could begin. Finally, we have received the invitation, and on September 20, representatives of the Tipra Motha Party will attend the meeting.”
The Ministry of Home Affairs has formed the Joint Working Group, with North East advisor AK Mishra appointed as the convenor. The committee also includes officials from the Tripura government, such as the Secretary of Tribal Welfare and the Secretary of the Home Department.
Debbarman emphasized that he has consulted with experts, NGOs, civil society, and community leaders to gather insights on the pressing issues facing the indigenous people of Tripura. “Our goal is to secure the future of my people through dialogue and negotiation. We will ask for schools, colleges, and universities in tribal areas and push for political, constitutional, and financial upliftment for the indigenous people of the state,” Debbarman said during a live social media broadcast.
The meeting marks the start of official discussions related to the historic accord and the demands of the indigenous Tiprasa people.