Agartala, December 19: Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, the founder of TIPRA Motha party and royal scion in Tripura, launched a scathing critique against the Janajati Suraksha Mancha (JSM), a Hindutva-affiliated group.
The JSM had announced a rally on Christmas Day, demanding the delisting of converted tribals from ST status, sparking concerns of potential religious conflict in the state.
In response to Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha’s neutral stance on the JSM rally, Pradyot Kishore expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the CM, also the Home Minister, should clarify his position.
In an audio message, Pradyot Kishore cautioned against the potential manipulation of tribal sentiments on December 25, drawing parallels to historical conflicts in Manipur.
He urged tribals to remain calm, emphasizing that peace would thwart any attempt to sow discord along communal lines.
Addressing the broader societal impact, he denounced hatred, negativity, ego, and greed, highlighting their detrimental effects on tribal communities.
Meantime, Indigenous Nationalist Party of Twipra (INPT), one of the oldest tribal party of the state, also vehemently opposed the JSM rally, predicting it would create divisions within tribal society.
Renowned tribal leader Srotoranjan Khisha labeled the demand to delist converted tribals as anti-constitutional, emphasizing that constitutional amendments would be required for such changes.
He vehemently opposed any coercive conversion activities, asserting that there were no reports of forced conversions in the state.
Earlier both the opposition CPIM and Congress parties had condemned the JSM’s demand, viewing it as a potential catalyst for ethnic discord and communal division among the people.
