Tripura Tribal Customary Law Coordination Committee Meets CM Dr. Manik Saha; Submits Memorandum Demanding Early Codification of Tribal Laws
AGARTALA: A delegation representing the Tripura Tribal Customary Law Coordination Committee, comprising traditional chieftains (Pradhan Samajpatis) of various indigenous communities, called upon Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha at his official residence today. The delegation, which included prominent Chakma community leader Shanti Bikash Chakma alongside other tribal heads, submitted a comprehensive memorandum urging the state government to expedite the long-pending codification of customary laws for Scheduled Tribe communities across the state.
During the interactive session, committee representatives detailed the urgent necessity of granting formal legal backing to traditional social systems and indigenous dispute-resolution mechanisms.
Key Demands Highlighted in the Memorandum:
- Expedited Enactment of Pending Bills: The committee requested the Chief Minister to ensure swift administrative clearance for the customary law bills unanimously passed by the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) in December 2022 for 14 tribal communities—including Chakma, Tripuri, Reang, Garo, Mog, Mizo, and others.
- Preservation of Indigenous Identity & Heritage: Delegation leaders emphasized that continuous delays in formal codification create deep uncertainty regarding the protection of traditional practices, social governance structures, and the distinct cultural identity of Tripura’s 19 recognized Scheduled Tribes.
- Strengthening Traditional Governance: Shanti Bikash Chakma and other chieftains pointed out that tribal communities have traditionally relied on customary practices to resolve internal disputes through community mediation, significantly reducing dependency on formal police stations and courts.
- Streamlining Approval Protocols: The delegation urged the state’s Tribal Welfare Department to swiftly process and resolve any procedural queries so the pending bills can be submitted for the Hon’ble Governor’s final assent.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha listened attentively to the points raised by the tribal delegation and assured the leaders that the state government remains dedicated to safeguarding the socio-economic, cultural, and traditional rights of all indigenous communities in Tripura.
