In a bid to amplify their longstanding demands for Greater Tipraland and the constitutional rights of indigenous people, the prominent opposition party in Tripura, TIPRA Motha, has declared a 12-hour shutdown in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) regions scheduled for September 30th.
During a press briefing held on Saturday, former chairman of TIPRA Motha, Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, explained, “The planned 12-hour ADC shutdown on September 30th, commencing at 6:00 am and concluding at 6:00 pm, serves as a reminder to the central government of our quest for a constitutional resolution and as a voice for a swift resolution.”
Debbarma emphasized that the shutdown transcends political agendas, stating, “This bandh has nothing to do with politics but everything to do with demanding justice for the Tiprasa community and safeguarding their existence. The unified voice of the Tiprasa people will send a message to Delhi that we have waited patiently for far too long, and our patience is wearing thin.”
However, he assured that essential services, including ambulance operations, would be exempted from the shutdown to ensure the well-being of the populace.
Debbarma urged members of various indigenous communities to stand in solidarity by participating in the shutdown and advocating for a constitutional solution to their concerns.
Responding to a query from reporters regarding the geographical scope of the bandh, he clarified, “The ADC areas belong to the Tiprasa people, and TIPRA Motha does not wield significant influence there. Moreover, I am keen to avoid any communal sentiments from arising. This shutdown represents the collective voice of the Tiprasa people in pursuit of their legitimate demands.”
Speaking about his interactions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, he expressed optimism, saying, “I am confident that he too desires a swift resolution to our issues, which is why he consistently agrees to meet me. I believe that Delhi will respond positively to our demands in the near future, but we will continue to remind them.”
The press conference witnessed the presence of ADC Chairman Jagadish Debbarma, senior leader Rajeshwar Debbarma, former minister Mebar Kumar Jamatia, Manihar Debbarma, and the Working President of TWF, among others.
