Agartala: Tipra Motha party founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma stated on Thursday that following the recent Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections, talks with the Centre regarding issues concerning the indigenous Tiprasa community have gained fresh momentum. Additionally, a new interlocutor has been appointed to continue discussions on the proposed Tiprasa accord.
Addressing supporters via a social media livestream, Debbarma described the TTAADC election victory as a significant political achievement but emphasized that the broader struggle for indigenous rights is far from over.
“The fight continues,” he said. “The election results reflect the aspirations of the Tiprasa people and their resolve to secure their future and protect their rights.”
According to Debbarma, despite the electoral success, critical issues concerning land, constitutional safeguards, financial powers, and economic development remain unresolved.
He noted that since the conclusion of the TTAADC elections, his focus has shifted from mere political activity to engaging in dialogue and seeking long-term solutions.
Debbarma claimed to be in constant contact with the Central government regarding issues affecting indigenous communities and stated that the concerns raised by the Tiprasa people have received attention at the national level.
Citing his participation in various national events—including a recent NDA meeting—he remarked that such interactions are essential for maintaining a dialogue with decision-makers and advancing the interests of the indigenous population.
The Tipra Motha leader also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has discussed matters related to Tripura and the Northeast with him, stressing the need for continuous dialogue to resolve pending issues.
He disclosed that a meeting was recently held with the Director of the Intelligence Bureau and the newly appointed interlocutor to take the negotiations regarding the accord forward. Debbarma said, “We will move forward. This is an encouraging development.”
Alleging that certain groups had attempted to slow down the process, he nevertheless stated that the TTAADC election results have further underscored the need to address the demands of the Tiprasa people.
He said, “Following the TTAADC results, Delhi has understood the true sentiments of the Tiprasa people. The central government is showing interest in resuming dialogue and finding solutions to their long-standing grievances.” Debbarma also dismissed criticism regarding his meetings with national leaders. He stated that interactions with the Prime Minister and other constitutional functionaries should be viewed not through the lens of partisan politics, but as efforts to resolve public issues.
Reiterating the party’s objectives, he said that ‘Tipra Motha’ seeks rights and protections on par with those enjoyed by other tribal communities in the Northeast and remains committed to its core principles.
He emphasized that development and political matters should not be conflated. At the same time, he reiterated that the party’s primary goal is to safeguard the rights and interests of Tripura’s tribal population.
