Unity and Regional Party Pressure Empower Tribal Rights: TMP Leader

Agartala, April 10 (NationPress) Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, the chief of the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), expressed strong disapproval of national political entities, including his coalition partner BJP, for their inadequate support of tribal rights in the Northeast.

While addressing a public assembly in Lefunga, located in the West Tripura district, Debbarma, who hails from royal heritage, emphasized that the rights secured by the tribal communities in the northeastern region are a direct outcome of the solidarity and relentless efforts of regional parties.

He urged the indigenous communities to maintain their unity and back the TMP in the forthcoming Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections in 2026 and the state Assembly elections in 2028.

“If we stand together, the Tipra Motha Party can play a pivotal role in the upcoming elections,” he remarked.

Debbarma criticized all national parties, including the BJP, Congress, and CPI-M, for historically neglecting the issues that matter to the tribal populace.

“The rights of the Northeast's tribals have only been achieved through the advocacy of regional parties. Therefore, unity among the indigenous people is imperative,” he stated.

While indirectly referencing the Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT), another ally of the ruling BJP, the TMP leader condemned parties that, once in power, have not delivered on the hopes of their constituents.

“Being part of the government does not equate to remaining silent on issues of injustice or corruption. A true regional force must voice its concerns, both inside and outside the Assembly,” he asserted.

Discussing the eagerly awaited tripartite agreement involving TMP, the central government, and the state administration, Debbarma acknowledged public skepticism regarding its advancement. However, he stressed that the delay is attributed to the significant objectives at stake.

“If it were merely about financial matters, it would have been resolved by now. We are advocating for land rights, the implementation of the Roman script for Kokborok, and direct central funding to the TTAADC,” he elaborated.

The TMP chief accused various vested interests of attempting to sow discord within TMP and disrupt the tribal community's unity for personal political and financial benefits.

“Some are attempting to corrupt our MLAs and Ministers to undermine our movement. But we must remain united to emerge as a formidable force in the 2026 and 2028 elections,” he stated, withholding further details.

Reflecting on historical struggles, Debbarma recalled that it took 17 years for the establishment of the TTAADC following the founding of the Tripura Upajati Juba Samiti (now defunct) in 1967.

He also highlighted the prolonged struggle of the Reang refugees, who were rehabilitated in Tripura and attained voting rights after enduring 21 years in camps.

“This struggle is not for monetary gain; it’s for the rights and a better future for the next generation of Tiprasas. It’s a long-term movement,” he remarked.

Debbarma reaffirmed the TMP’s commitment to the demand for ‘Greater Tipraland’ and stated that the party will persist in advocating for constitutional protections and justice for the tribal populace.

He further asserted that corruption is prevalent at all levels of government, including in Tripura, and vowed that TMP would strive to eliminate it and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.

Following the signing of a tripartite agreement with the central government and the Tripura administration on March 2 of the previous year, the opposition TMP joined the BJP-led coalition government on March 7, 2024, with two of its MLAs - Animesh Debbarma and Brishaketu Debbarma - taking on ministerial roles.

The BJP, along with IPFT and TMP, collectively contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Tripura, although the TMP participated separately in the Assembly elections in 2023.