In a significant development, the leaders of the opposition party TIPRA Motha and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ally Indigenous People Front of Tripura (IPFT) separately met with AK Mishra, Advisor to the MHA for Northeast, and other officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday in New Delhi.
AK Mishra, Advisor to the MHA for Northeast was also reported to have been assigned with the task of interlocutor for Tripura too. He was looking after the Nagaland issues.
During these meetings, both parties strongly advocated for the creation of a separate state called ‘Tipraland.’
The delegation from TIPRA Motha, led by Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, articulated their demands asserting that their aspirations for Tipraland were entirely within the constitutional framework of India. Debbarma underscored the significance of Tipraland for the survival and cultural preservation of the Tiprasa community. He also expressed satisfaction that the ruling BJP ally, IPFT, shared similar demands for a separate Tipraland, emphasizing the importance of unity among different political groups to achieve their common goal.
IPFT minister Sukla Charan Noatia, along with other party leaders led by party president Prem Kumar Reang, engaged in discussions with AK Mishra to address the rights of the indigenous people in the state of Tripura. The delegation staunchly reiterated their core demand for Tipraland, which has been a paramount focus of their political agenda. During the meeting, the leaders also discussed the Constitution (125th Amendment) Bill, 2019, which aims to empower the indigenous tribal population in Tripura.
The concept of ‘Greater Tipraland’ state was raised during the meetings by the TIPRA motha, though specific details regarding its territorial boundaries were not disclosed. However, it is believed to encompass parts of several other northeastern states and even Bangladesh, in addition to Tripura.
Both parties’ leaders have expressed their unwavering commitment to finding a constitutional solution to their demand for Tipraland. Further discussions with MHA officials on this matter are expected to be held at a later date.
