Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, the leader of Tipra Motha and a member of the royal family of Tripura, caused a stir in the political arena with his bold statement declaring himself as the “original landowner” of Agartala, Teliamura, and Kanchanpur. Speaking at a gathering of party supporters, MLAs, and members of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, Debbarma emphasized his commitment to fighting for the rights of Tripura’s tribal communities.
Agartala, the capital of Tripura, along with Teliamura and Kanchanpur, are significant subdivisions within the state. Tipra Motha currently governs the TTAADC, which covers a large portion of Tripura’s territory.
Accusing mainstream political parties like Congress, CPI-M, and BJP of neglecting the promises made to indigenous people, Debbarma asserted, “This is my commitment to my people, and I will now take this a step further. Silence is not surrender.”
The gathering in Delhi followed a symbolic march to demand a separate Tipraland, organized by Tipra Motha leader David Murasing two months prior. In Tripura, demonstrations in support of indigenous rights erupted, with torch processions held in Agartala and various villages.
Debbarma also criticized the central government for its inaction, recalling the opposition from the state Congress to the creation of the TTAADC, which was eventually established with the intervention of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Urging the current Home Minister to take a decisive stance, Debbarma called for the implementation of the Tiprasa Accord.
“My silence does not mean fear. If necessary, unleash the ED or CBI. I am willing to go to jail,” Debbarma proclaimed, emphasizing his determination to advocate for the rights of Tripura’s tribal communities.
