Agartala: Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarman on Wednesday said he would continue his political struggle until “Tiprasa rule” was established in Tripura, calling for unity among all indigenous communities ahead of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections expected to be held in April.
Addressing a mass gathering at Manu Chailengta TTAADC constituency, Debbarman said, “Divisions among indigenous communities had weakened their collective political voice and hampered development in tribal areas. Different communities must rise above ethnic distinctions and unite to safeguard their rights and future.”
Referring to the killing of Anjel Chakma, Debbarman said the victim was targeted because of his physical appearance as a person from the Northeast, irrespective of his specific ethnic identity. He said such incidents underlined the need for solidarity among indigenous people, instead of internal conflicts based on community lines.
Debbarman said the political movement he was leading was not confined to his party but aimed at securing rights for economically weaker sections and ensuring a better future for children across communities. He alleged that during elections, some leaders attempted to influence voters with money or traditional attire instead of addressing long-term issues such as education, livelihood and development.
He claimed that despite funds being allocated by the Centre, development in tribal-dominated districts such as Dhalai remained inadequate, alleging that resources were not being spent proportionately in ADC areas. He attributed this, in part, to the lack of political unity among indigenous groups.
Highlighting natural resources in ADC areas, Debbarman said, “Tribal regions accounted for significant gas reserves and a large share of rubber plantations in the state. But, when it comes to development, you will barely see anything happening beyond Agartala City and some selected areas. This is why I am saying, they will come to distribute money, take it without hesitation but during polls exercise your franchise with an eye on long-term benefits rather than short-term inducements.”
Debbarman said he would not yield to political pressure and would continue to fight for the rights of indigenous people in Tripura.
He appealed for unity among Bengalis, Chakmas, Jamatias, Debbarmas and other communities, asserting that the movement sought inclusive rights rather than exclusion.
He alleged that rival political forces were attempting to polarise society along religious, ethnic and linguistic lines and said unity was essential to counter such efforts. Debbarman maintained that once indigenous unity was achieved, no political force could prevent the establishment of what he described as Tiprasa rule in Tripura.
Although Tipra Motha and the BJP are allies in the state government, the two parties are political rivals in the TTAADC. The upcoming elections to the autonomous council, which governs Tripura’s tribal areas, are expected to witness a direct contest between the two parties, making it a closely watched bipolar political battle.
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