Agartala, Oct 27: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Tuesday said he would soon hold discussions with Tipra Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma on implementing the tripartite agreement signed to address the demands of the state’s indigenous communities, signalling fresh efforts to take the process forward amid changing political equations in the state.
Saha said he would first discuss the matter with Debbarma and subsequently contact the Centre to explore the way forward.
“I will sit with our Tipra Motha supremo very soon and discuss the matter. After that, I will contact Delhi. We will work on the issues they have raised, and take whatever steps are possible after discussions with the Centre,” the chief minister told reporters on the sidelines of a programme in Agartala.
The remarks assume significance as Debbarma had recently announced his intention to step away from active politics. His role in the implementation of the agreement and the future course of his engagement with the party remain to be seen.
The development comes against the backdrop of changing political equations between the BJP and Tipra Motha, both partners in the NDA. The two parties contested against each other in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections, in which Tipra Motha retained its dominant position. They later jointly contested the village committee elections, following discussions at the national level involving Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The tripartite agreement, signed in New Delhi in March 2024 by the Centre, the Tripura government and Tipra Motha, represented an effort to address issues raised by indigenous communities, including their political, economic and cultural concerns. Its implementation has remained a significant issue in the state’s tribal politics.
Saha also addressed the case involving alleged racial abuse of Tripura youth Lesonjit Reang by a social media content creator Amir Shokeen. He said the matter was now before the courts and that the government would proceed in accordance with the law.
The chief minister said he had spoken to the state Director General of Police and that a case had been registered. Further action to bring the alleged accused to Tripura would depend on the relevant legal procedures and court clearance, he said.
“If the court allows it, he will certainly be brought here,” Saha said, stressing that the government would have to follow the prescribed legal process.
