Former TIPRA Motha chief Pradyot Kishore Debbarma demands an unconditional public apology from BJP MLA Tafajjal Hossain over alleged remarks insulting Tripura’s indigenous food culture, tribal identity and traditions.
Former TIPRA Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma has strongly condemned alleged controversial remarks by BJP MLA Tafajjal Hossain concerning the food habits, cultural identity and traditions of Tripura’s indigenous communities. He has demanded that the Boxanagar legislator issue an unconditional public apology to the people of Tripura, stating that insulting the customs and cultural practices of any community is unacceptable.
The controversy reportedly emerged following comments allegedly made by Tafajjal Hossain during an election campaign meeting. Reacting to the incident through a video message, Pradyot Kishore Debbarma said the matter should not be viewed merely as a political disagreement, as it directly concerns the dignity, heritage and collective identity of the state’s indigenous population.
Pradyot clarified that although he has stepped away from active electoral politics, he would continue to raise his voice whenever the rights, dignity and identity of indigenous people are challenged. He emphasised that food habits are closely connected to a community’s history, cultural heritage and traditional way of life. Therefore, no individual should have the right to ridicule or insult an entire community over its dietary preferences and cultural practices.
Criticising the alleged remarks, the former TIPRA Motha chief also referred to the recent controversy involving social media content creator Amir Shokeen, who faced criticism and legal action over allegedly offensive comments directed at people from Tripura and the Northeast. Drawing a comparison between the incidents, Pradyot pointed out that statements targeting a community’s identity and traditions deserve serious attention, irrespective of who makes them.
However, he expressed particular concern over the latest controversy because the alleged remarks reportedly came from an elected public representative. According to him, people holding constitutional and political responsibilities should demonstrate greater sensitivity while addressing public gatherings and communicating with different communities.
Pradyot also questioned whether such language and attitudes would be acceptable within the legislator’s own political party. He maintained that the issue should not be limited to the political position or designation of an individual but should focus on the mindset reflected through statements that could hurt the sentiments of an entire community.
Demanding accountability, Pradyot urged Tafajjal Hossain to issue an unconditional apology to the people of Tripura for the alleged remarks concerning indigenous food culture and traditions. He stressed that elected representatives have a responsibility to strengthen social harmony, promote mutual respect and maintain unity among different communities rather than making statements that could create divisions.
The former TIPRA Motha chief also appealed to members of the tribal community not to remain silent whenever their identity, customs, traditions or cultural practices are ridiculed. He said protecting indigenous heritage requires collective awareness and the courage to speak against derogatory remarks or attempts to undermine traditional values.
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Concluding his message, Pradyot Kishore Debbarma reiterated that the dignity, identity and cultural heritage of Tripura’s indigenous communities must be respected and protected. He called upon people across communities to remain vigilant against insults targeting cultural traditions and self-respect, emphasising that questions of identity and dignity should never be ignored or compromised.
The controversy has once again brought attention to the importance of respecting Tripura’s cultural diversity and maintaining harmony among its different communities. Pradyot’s demand for an unconditional apology has placed accountability and respect for indigenous traditions at the centre of the political debate.
