Pradyot Kishore Debbarma Advocates Unity Among Indigenous Communities, Criticizes National Parties

Agartala, Apr 10, 2025, By Our Correspondent

Agartala: April 10: Tipra Motha founder and royal scion Pradyot Kishore Debbarma addressed a public gathering at Lefunga in West Tripura district on Thursday, emphasizing the importance of unity among indigenous communities in the Northeast. He asserted that the rights secured by these communities have been achieved largely due to the sustained efforts and solidarity of regional parties.

Pradyot urged the indigenous population to remain united, highlighting Tipra Motha’s ambition to emerge as a key political force in the upcoming Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections in 2026 and the state Assembly elections in 2027. He criticized national parties, including his alliance partner BJP, for their perceived silence on issues affecting indigenous people.

Without naming IPFT, another BJP ally, Pradyot expressed disappointment over its failure to honor the aspirations of the electorate after gaining power. He stressed the need for raising voices against injustice and corruption both within and outside the Assembly.

Addressing concerns over the progress of the Tipra Accord, a tripartite agreement between Tipra Motha, the state, and the Centre, Pradyot clarified that the delay was due to deeper issues beyond financial assistance. He reiterated the party’s demands for land rights, direct funding to TTAADC, and the adoption of Roman script for the Kokborok language.

Pradyot warned against attempts to divide the tribal community and Tipra Motha for personal political gains, urging unity to strengthen the party’s position in future elections. Reflecting on past struggles, he cited examples of prolonged efforts by tribal groups to achieve significant milestones, such as the creation of TTAADC and the rehabilitation of Reang (Bru) people.

Reaffirming Tipra Motha’s demand for ‘Greater Tipraland,’ Pradyot vowed to continue advocating for constitutional and political safeguards for tribals. He also criticized widespread corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies, pledging to work towards minimizing these issues in Tripura.

Pradyot concluded by emphasizing the relevance and necessity of regional parties in negotiating better outcomes for indigenous communities, particularly when national parties fall short of securing an absolute majority.