Reported by Mrinal Banik
Agartala: Tipra Motha Party founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma on Thursday said that talks with the Centre on issues concerning the indigenous Tiprasa community had gained fresh momentum following the recent Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections, with a new interlocutor appointed to continue discussions on the proposed Tiprasa Accord.
Addressing supporters through a social media livestream, Debbarma described the TTAADC election victory as an important political milestone but stressed that the larger struggle for the rights of the indigenous people was far from over.
“The fight continues. The election result reflects the aspirations of the Tiprasa people and their determination to secure their future and protect their rights,” he said.
According to Debbarma, key concerns relating to land, constitutional safeguards, financial entitlements and economic development remain unresolved despite the electoral success.
He said that since the conclusion of the TTAADC polls, his focus had shifted towards negotiations and securing long-term solutions rather than engaging solely in political activities.
Debbarma claimed that he had been in regular contact with the central government regarding issues affecting indigenous communities and said that the concerns raised by the Tiprasa people had received attention at the national level.
Referring to his participation in various national programmes, including a recent NDA conclave, he said such engagements were necessary to maintain communication with decision-makers and advance the interests of the indigenous population.
The Tipra Motha leader also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had interacted with him on matters relating to Tripura and the Northeast, adding that continuous dialogue was essential for resolving pending issues.
He disclosed that a recent meeting had taken place with the Director of the Intelligence Bureau and the newly appointed interlocutor responsible for carrying forward the accord-related discussions.
“We will move forward. This is an encouraging development,” Debbarma said.
Alleging that certain groups had attempted to slow down the process, he nevertheless maintained that the outcome of the TTAADC elections had renewed urgency around addressing the demands of the Tiprasa people.
“Following the TTAADC results, Delhi understood the genuine sentiments of the Tiprasas. The central government is interested in resuming discussions and finding solutions to their longstanding grievances,” he stated.
Debbarma also dismissed criticism over his meetings with national leaders, arguing that interactions with the Prime Minister and other constitutional authorities should be viewed as part of efforts to resolve public issues rather than through a partisan political lens.
Reaffirming the party’s objectives, he said Tipra Motha was seeking protections and rights comparable to those enjoyed by other indigenous communities across the Northeast and remained committed to its core principles.
He added that development and political considerations should not be intertwined, reiterating that the party’s foremost goal was to safeguard the rights and interests of Tripura’s indigenous people.