AICC Secretary in-charge for Tripura Congress, Christopher Tilak, has claimed that violence has become an entrenched issue under the BJP-led government in the state, vowing that Congress will follow the Gandhian philosophy of non-violence to create a more peaceful Tripura. Speaking after a two-day state visit, Tilak addressed a press conference at Congress Bhawan, criticizing the current government for fostering a violent environment that, according to him, has surpassed even what people experienced under the Left regime.
Tilak emphasized that peace is essential for development and that without it, investment and employment opportunities are severely hindered. “Without peace, we cannot achieve any development, and for development, we need investment. Without development and investment, there will be no employment, and without employment, there will be no future,” Tilak said.
Highlighting the key issues Congress plans to tackle in Tripura, Tilak pointed out the growing unemployment crisis, particularly among the youth, who make up a significant portion of the population. “Sixty percent of India’s population is below the age of 40, which means we are a young nation. The development of youth is crucial for the development of the country. The Modi government promised two crore jobs per year but has done little to address unemployment. Tripura is facing a similar situation,” he stated.
Tilak linked the rising violence in the state to the lack of job opportunities, arguing that unemployment and violence are interconnected and create a vicious cycle. He accused the Chief Minister, other ministers, and ruling party leaders of being indifferent to these critical issues, showing no willingness to address the challenges facing Tripura.
The Congress leader also expressed the party’s commitment to uplifting the indigenous population, women, and minorities in the state. He credited the Congress party for the development of Tripura’s tribal communities, including the introduction of the 6th Schedule, and criticized the BJP for neglecting the welfare of the indigenous people. “The BJP has been deceiving the indigenous people of Tripura for years,” he added.
Tilak also addressed the recent floods in Tripura, calling on both the state and central governments to provide adequate compensation and assistance to the families affected by the devastation. On behalf of the Congress party, he demanded a serious response to the issue and called for support for the flood victims.
Furthermore, Tilak raised concerns about the extremist group National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) allegedly receiving Rs 250 crore in funding. He demanded transparency from the government, calling for an explanation of how these funds are being utilized.
In his concluding remarks, Tilak announced that the Congress party would be rolling out programs across all 60 Blocks in Tripura to promote what he called “true development” for the state and its people. The press conference was attended by TPCC president Asish Kumar Saha, Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman, MLA Gopal Chandra Roy, and former TPCC president Pijush Kanti Biswas, among other senior Congress leaders.
