After nine years, the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT) revived its mass rally in Agartala, demanding for Tipraland statehood. Thousands joined despite rain, highlighting indigenous struggles, recalling past sacrifices, and honoring founder NC Debbarma. The rally marked IPFT’s renewed bid to regain political ground amid rising competition.
After a long gap of nine years, the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT) staged a massive public rally in Agartala on Saturday, once again raising the demand for a separate state—Tipraland—comprising areas under the Sixth Schedule. Despite heavy rains and unfavorable weather, thousands of supporters gathered, reaffirming the party’s political relevance and commitment to the indigenous people’s cause.
The rally was significant in multiple ways. Not only did it mark the 17th such event since the party’s inception in 2009, but it was also strategically organized on August 23, a date the IPFT observes as both ADC Day and Tipraland Statehood Demand Day.
A Movement with Deep Roots
The demand for Tipraland is not new. Since its foundation under the leadership of the late NC Debbarma, the IPFT has consistently pressed for carving out a separate state from the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC). While the TTAADC was constituted in 1984 under then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to empower indigenous communities, IPFT leaders argue that the aspirations of the tribal population remain largely unfulfilled.
Speaking at the rally, senior IPFT leader and minister Shukla Charan Noatia recalled the party’s long political journey, including its struggles and sacrifices. “In 2016, when we organised a similar rally in Agartala, our activists were brutally attacked by CPIM cadres. Many were injured, and our supporters faced political vengeance during that period. But today, after nine years, we are holding this rally as part of the ruling coalition, while CPIM is in the opposition,” he remarked.
Noatia stressed that the large turnout of supporters despite repeated attempts to undermine the party proves that the IPFT remains a force to reckon with in Tripura’s political landscape. “For the past 17 years, we have consistently pressed for our rightful demand. The statehood movement will not stop until justice is achieved,” he asserted.
Support Beyond State Borders
The rally also drew attention from national groups advocating for new states in India. S. Sanyal, general secretary of the National Federation of New States and a senior advocate from Maharashtra, extended his solidarity with the indigenous people of Tripura.
“Tripura is progressing, but the pain of its indigenous communities continues to be ignored. The demand for Tipraland is legitimate, and it is important that the suffering of these people is acknowledged by the rest of the nation,” Sanyal said while addressing the crowd.
Paying Tribute to Leadership
The IPFT leaders used the occasion to remember and honor the contributions of NC Debbarma, the founder of the party and a former minister in Tripura. Debbarma, who passed away in 2022, was considered the architect of the Tipraland demand and played a pivotal role in mobilizing tribal voices within the state’s political discourse.
IPFT president and former minister Prem Kumar Reang also addressed the gathering, reaffirming the party’s commitment to carry forward Debbarma’s legacy and to strengthen the movement for statehood.
IPFT’s Political Challenges
The IPFT once enjoyed considerable influence, especially during the 2018 Tripura Assembly elections, when it entered into an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and emerged as a strong player in state politics. However, the rise of the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), led by royal scion Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, reshaped the tribal political landscape. With its powerful slogan of “Greater Tipraland,” TMP managed to capture the imagination of a large section of the indigenous electorate.
This shift eroded IPFT’s base significantly. In the 2023 state assembly elections, the party managed to retain only one seat—Jolaibari—reflecting its declining electoral fortunes. Internal splits and defections further weakened the organisation, making Saturday’s rally a crucial attempt to project unity and resilience.
The Road Ahead
Observers note that IPFT’s revival efforts through such mass mobilisations indicate its intent to re-establish relevance in tribal politics. While the demand for Tipraland continues to be a contentious issue in Tripura’s broader political arena, the party’s persistence suggests that the movement is far from over.
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For now, the rally has sent a strong message—that the IPFT, despite setbacks, remains determined to fight for the aspirations of Tripura’s indigenous communities and will continue to champion the cause of Tipraland until its demand is addressed.
