IPFT postpones its Delhi sit-in protest due to major flight and train disruptions. The party plans a February–March mobilisation to push for Tipraland and the 125th Constitutional Amendment, reaffirming demands for expanded autonomy for Tripura’s indigenous communities.
The Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT), a key ally of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Tripura government, has postponed its proposed participation in the National Federation of New States’ sit-in demonstration scheduled for December 15 at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The decision comes in the backdrop of a severe transport crisis involving limited flight availability and disrupted train services, which has hindered travel arrangements for hundreds of its supporters.
Addressing a press conference in Agartala on Sunday, IPFT vice president Pradip Debbarma said the party had no option but to reschedule its mobilisation for early next year. “Due to the ongoing crisis of flight and train service, we had to postpone our sit-in demonstration at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and reschedule it for February or March next year,” Debbarma said.
Mobilisation Exceeds Expectations
According to the IPFT leadership, the party initially planned to mobilise around 100 supporters for the Delhi demonstration. However, the number of participants grew far beyond their expectations. “We targeted at least 100 participants from the state, but the figure rose to 227. We shall arrange tickets for them and ensure they reach Delhi’s Jantar Mantar without difficulty,” Debbarma assured.
The unexpectedly high turnout underscores renewed grassroots enthusiasm for the party’s long-standing demand for Tipraland—a separate state carved out for the indigenous population of Tripura—or its alternative model, the Tipra Territorial Council (TTC). For several years, the demand has remained a focal political aspiration for multiple tribal organisations, including the TIPRA Motha and the IPFT, reflecting deep concerns over identity, representation, and administrative autonomy in the tribal-dominated regions of the state.
Demand for Constitutional Amendment Reasserted
The postponed demonstration was expected to reiterate the demand for the passage of the long-pending 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2019. The bill proposes enhanced administrative and financial powers for autonomous district councils in the Sixth Schedule areas, including the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).
IPFT leaders said they would continue advocating for the elevation of the TTAADC into the proposed Tipra Territorial Council (TTC). This transformation, they argue, aligns with the recommendations earlier adopted by the Tripura Legislative Assembly’s Council of Ministers and would grant stronger constitutional safeguards for indigenous communities.
Debbarma emphasised that the restructuring of TTAADC into TTC is not merely an administrative upgrade but a crucial step to protecting tribal rights and ensuring meaningful self-governance. “Our demand is rooted in securing justice, autonomy, and constitutional empowerment for the indigenous population. We will continue our democratic movement until this aspiration is fulfilled,” he said.
Transport Crisis Hits Northeast Travellers
The logistical challenges highlighted by IPFT reflect a broader travel disruption affecting several northeastern states in recent weeks. Multiple flights have been cancelled or rescheduled due to operational constraints, while train services have experienced periodic delays and route diversions.
These disruptions are creating major challenges for organisations attempting large-scale mobilisations, especially to national destinations such as Delhi. The IPFT leadership said the party does not want its supporters to face hardship or safety risks while travelling such long distances under the current conditions.
Protest Deferred but Movement Continues
Despite the postponement, IPFT maintains that the movement for Tipraland and enhanced constitutional guarantees remains firmly on track. The party intends to begin fresh mobilisation drives in January, ensuring all 227 listed participants can travel comfortably once transport conditions stabilise.
Party insiders also indicated that coordination with other state-based tribal groups and national bodies, including the National Federation of New States, will continue in the coming months. They affirmed that a combined demand for statehood or stronger autonomous councils across several regions in India would strengthen the push for the 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill.
Political observers believe the upcoming Delhi protest—whenever it is held—may draw significant national attention, given the growing momentum behind identity-based statehood movements across the country.
| Also Read: IPFT pushes Tipraland demand in Delhi protest with NFNS Support |
For now, the IPFT leadership has urged its supporters to remain patient and united. The party reiterated that postponing the event is a strategic necessity and not a sign of weakening resolve. The February–March protest window, they said, would provide better logistical clarity and help ensure a more impactful demonstration in the national capital.
