Tripura ADC results brings Tiprasa Accord talks back on track: Pradyot

Tipra Motha Party founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarman on Thursday said discussions on issues concerning the indigenous Tiprasa people were moving forward with the Centre and a new interlocutor had been appointed to carry forward the process related to the proposed Tiprasa Accord.

Addressing his followers through a social media livestream, Debbarman said the party's victory in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections was only an electoral success and that the larger issues relating to land, constitutional, financial and economic rights of the indigenous people remained unresolved.

"The fight is still on. The election result reflected the aspirations of the Tiprasa people for protection of their rights and future," he said.

Debbarman said he chose to focus on negotiations and long-term solutions after the TTAADC polls instead of confining himself to political activities.

He said he had been engaging with the central government on issues concerning the indigenous communities and claimed that the Centre had acknowledged the concerns and grievances of the Tiprasa people.

Referring to his participation in programmes attended by national leaders, including a recent NDA conclave, Debbarman said he attended such events to maintain dialogue with those in positions of authority and pursue the interests of his community.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had interacted with him and discussed issues concerning Tripura and the Northeast. According to Debbarman, regular consultations were necessary for resolving pending matters.

The Tipra Motha founder said a meeting was held with the Director of the Intelligence Bureau and the newly appointed interlocutor tasked with continuing discussions related to the accord process.

"We shall move ahead. This is a positive step," he said.

Debbarman alleged that the process had been delayed due to efforts by certain quarters to obstruct it but maintained that the outcome of the TTAADC elections had revitalised the demand for addressing the concerns of the Tiprasa people.

“After the TTAADC results, Delhi sensed the genuine sentiments of the Tiprasas. The central government is keen to resume talks and resolve the grievances of the Tiprasas,” he said. 

He also rejected criticism over his meetings with national leaders, saying meetings with the Prime Minister or other constitutional authorities should not be viewed through a political lens.

Debbarman reiterated that his party was seeking rights and safeguards similar to those granted to other indigenous communities in the Northeast and asserted that Tipra Motha remained committed to its founding principles.

He said politics and development should not be linked and maintained that his primary objective was securing the rights of the indigenous people of Tripura.