Agartala, Oct 27: Ruling BJP ally TIPRA Motha party founder Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma on Tuesday called for greater unity between Tripura’s indigenous tribal and Bengali communities, saying the implementation of the Tripartite Agreement should be pursued with minimum politics and a focus on the state’s development and the rights of future generations.
In a social media live, Debbarma said he remained closely engaged in negotiations over the implementation of the Tiprasa Accord despite his announcement that he would step away from active politics to focus on his health.
“I want both Tiprasa and Bengalis to live peacefully and progress together. The rights of the indigenous people must be ensured, but the rights of Bengalis should not be taken away. They must also get their rights,” he said.
Emphasising the need to keep political considerations out of the process, Debbarma said the focus should be on peace, development and securing a better future for the next generation.
He also hinted at an important meeting scheduled soon but did not disclose the participants or venue. His remarks came amid renewed attention to the implementation of the agreement following Chief Minister Manik Saha’s statement earlier in the day on pursuing the issue with the Centre.
The Tripartite Agreement, signed in March 2024 by the Centre, the Tripura government and TIPRA Motha, seeks to address long-standing concerns of the state’s indigenous population, including their political, economic, social, cultural and constitutional rights.
Debbarma urged people to extend the spirit of unity beyond community-related issues to employment, education, healthcare, development and opportunities for the younger generation.
Referring to the recent controversy surrounding remarks against Tripura youth Lesonjit Reang by a self proclaimed content creator Amir Shokeen in Ahmedabad, he criticised attempts to politicise the issue on party lines, arguing that people should focus on the alleged wrongdoing rather than the political affiliations of those involved.
“If we can stand together on one issue, why can’t we unite on employment, development, progress and the rights and future of our children?” he asked.
He said unity across communities would make it harder for political parties to divide people for electoral or other interests.
“Tripura needs development. For development, we need resources, opportunities, education and healthcare. If the entire state comes together, politicians will not be able to mislead people by dividing them on different issues,” he said.
Debbarma also acknowledged receiving messages and calls from political opponents wishing him well after his decision to step back from active politics.
“I have left politics, but I have not left my people,” he said, adding that he wanted to continue contributing to the welfare of Tripura, the Northeast and the country.
He expressed hope that his upcoming meeting would yield positive developments, although he offered no details about its agenda or the people he would meet.
