The Union government is likely to appoint of an Interlocutor soon to look into the TIPRA Motha demands. Sources indicate that in all likelihood A K Mishra, former Special Director of the Intelligence Bureau and who is also the interlocutor for Naga issues, might be given the task for Tripura too.
TIPRA Motha chairman Pradyot Kishore Debbarman, president Bijoy Kumar Hrangkhawl , all MLAs and other leaders had already flown to Guwahati to meet Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday evening to discuss matter.
It was learnt that the discussion between the Assam Chief Minister and TIPRA Motha leadership would be focussed mostly on the mandates to be given to the Interlocutor, if and when appointed, to explore and settle. The mandates after finalization in Thursday night in Guwahati and clearly mentioned in appointment papers would be the discussion points- no less, no more- for the interlocutor.
The appointment of the interlocutor would come after the discussion with the Assam Chief Minister who is also the NEDA convenor and presently handling the TIPRA Motha issues .
The meeting of the TIPRA Motha leaders with Biswa Sarma, if everything goes as planned, would be held tonight itself, sources said.
In the meantime, as confusion gripped the TIPRA Motha after the scheduled date for interlocutor appointment lapsed, and there was threat from Debbarman that he would resort to Fast unto Death, party workers got ready for large scale agitation- dharna and road blockade. Since Wednesday night the TIPRA Motha workers started gathering in Champaknagar (Baramura) area and preparing for blockade on National Highway for indefinite period. They even brought in a JCP and started clearing the road side in an attempt to set up makeshift shelters for the agitators. However, as the TIPRA Motha chairman announced his meeting with Assam Chief Minister on the issue and police also intervened the TIPRA Motha workers kept the agitation preparation in abeyance and left the place.
“We would go for what the Bubagra – Pradyot Kishore Debbarman- says. We shall wait for his instructions”, said one TIPRA Motha activist.
Before departure for Guwahati Debbarman said, he was asked to meet Biswa Sarma to discuss the matter relating to the Centre’s latest stand. He said, if the Centre failed to meet the demand of the TIPRA Motha then they would chalk out the future plan- he did not clearly mention or give any indication of stir that he would plan in case of the failure of the talks. He had met the MLAs, MDCs and other senior leaders of the party before going to Guwahati.
Political observers here felt that appointment of an Interlocutor would not be a problem at all and it would give breather to the Centre, state government and TIPRA Motha chairman Pradyot Kishore Debbarman as well. The main issues would the agenda of the Interlocutor to the resolved.
( Also in Tripura Times)
