In a significant development, Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barman, the leader of TIPRA Motha, has issued a stern warning of an impending agitation to address the pressing issues faced by indigenous people. This announcement comes hot on the heels of his meeting with Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Tuesday evening.
Deb Barman, before departing for Delhi on Thursday, expressed his discontent over what he perceives as the ongoing neglect of tribal communities and the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).
TIPRA Motha, which secured a pivotal victory in the TTAADC elections in April 2021, has been advocating for the elevation of the autonomous body, aiming for a ‘Greater Tipraland State’ or separate state status within the framework of Articles 2 and 3 of the Indian Constitution.
During discussions with the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, Deb Barman emphasised the urgent need for adequate funding for the TTAADC, pointing out that the autonomous body has not been receiving its rightful financial support from the state government.
To express their discontent over what they see as the marginalisation of the autonomous body and to amplify their ‘Greater Tipraland State’ demand, TMP has announced plans for a massive rally scheduled for October 14 at the TTAADC headquarters in Khumulwng.
Deb Barman also expressed his concerns about a funding shortfall affecting the TTAADC and accused the BJP-led state government of failing to allocate the necessary funds for the development of tribal areas.
Responding to Congress leader Sudip Roy Barman’s recent call for Deb Barman to rejoin the Congress party and assume leadership in the state, the TMP chief reiterated that his current focus is on seeking constitutional solutions to address the challenges facing the tribal population. Deb Barman, a former royal scion, previously held the position of Tripura State Congress President before leaving the party in 2019 over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act issue.
