The Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT) will launch a statewide Tipraland campaign across eight districts on November 4, reaffirming its core demand amid political tensions following Chief Minister Manik Saha’s controversial remarks and subsequent apology.
The Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT) has announced a major political mobilisation aimed at reviving its core demand for a separate Tipraland state. The announcement follows a crucial Core Committee meeting held on Wednesday evening at the official residence of IPFT president Prem Kumar Reang, where key organizational and political issues were discussed.
The meeting ratified earlier decisions made on October 11, 2025, during the Executive Committee and branch representatives’ gathering at Agartala Press Club, and came against the backdrop of recent controversies involving Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha.
In a press conference held Thursday, IPFT leaders outlined the resolutions adopted and unveiled the party’s upcoming programs, including the Tipraland Awareness Campaign scheduled for November 4 across eight districts.
Controversy Over CM’s Remark Sparks Party Outrage
A major topic during the meeting was the uproar following Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha’s remark during a public rally in Bihar on October 20, where he mistakenly referred to IPFT as a “terrorist organization.” The statement, which quickly circulated on social media, triggered widespread anger among IPFT cadres and supporters—particularly the party’s youth wing.
Senior IPFT leaders expressed deep discontent over the remark, emphasizing that the party had been instrumental in forming Tripura’s first BJP-led government in 2018, when the alliance ousted the long-standing Left Front.
Reiterating that IPFT is a registered and recognized political party under the Election Commission of India, leaders termed the comment “unfortunate and unacceptable.” In response, the party sent video clips of the Bihar rally to the Chief Minister and senior BJP leadership, demanding a public clarification within 24 hours.
CM Apologizes, Clarifies Misstatement
Before the deadline elapsed, Chief Minister Dr. Saha personally reached out to IPFT president Prem Kumar Reang, expressing regret over what he described as an “inadvertent slip.” He clarified that he had intended to refer to the All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF), an outlawed insurgent outfit, rather than the IPFT.
Following his call, the Chief Minister also posted a public apology on his official Facebook page, acknowledging the confusion and expressing appreciation for IPFT’s political contributions to Tripura’s governance.
The IPFT leadership accepted the apology and thanked the Chief Minister for his prompt clarification. However, internal discontent within certain party factions led the Core Committee to convene the emergency session to assess the situation.
Committee Decides to Move Forward Peacefully
After reviewing the matter, the Core Committee decided not to escalate the issue further, stating that the Chief Minister’s clarification and apology had already been widely circulated through mainstream and digital media.
“All party workers have been directed not to make any further comments or stage protests over the issue,” the committee noted in a statement. IPFT leaders also urged ministers and public officials to exercise restraint and verify facts before making statements on politically sensitive topics.
Statewide Tipraland Campaign on November 4
Turning focus toward its long-standing demand, the IPFT announced a district-level Tipraland Awareness Campaign to be launched simultaneously across eight districts on November 4.
“The campaign will highlight IPFT’s commitment to securing constitutional recognition for the indigenous communities of Tripura through the creation of Tipraland,” said Sapan Debbarma, the party’s general secretary.
Debbarma added that the campaign will include rallies, public meetings, and grassroots awareness drives aimed at uniting tribal populations under the banner of political empowerment and cultural preservation.
New Appointments to Strengthen the Party
To reinforce the party’s organizational strength, the Core Committee also announced the induction of four new Special Invitees to the Central Executive Committee (CEC). The newly appointed members are:
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Sukhuranjan Debbarma (Bishramganj)
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Birsadhan Jamatia (Killa)
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Upendra Reang (Damcherra)
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Dipak Debbarma (Karamcherra)
The inclusion of these new members, according to party insiders, is expected to boost regional representation and improve coordination between district units.
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As IPFT gears up for its Tipraland Awareness Campaign, political observers note that the move could re-energize the party’s base ahead of upcoming local elections. The campaign is also seen as a strategic effort to reaffirm IPFT’s identity and political relevance in Tripura’s dynamic tribal politics, particularly amid changing alliances and growing calls for greater autonomy in the tribal council areas.
