Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma Affirms No Compromise on Indigenous Rights Amid Tiprasa Accord Talks

Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, the royal scion and former chairman of Tipra Motha, announced on Friday that discussions with the Centre regarding the Tiprasa Accord are progressing in a parallel manner, emphasizing that there will be no compromise on the rights of the Indigenous people of Tripura. Debbarma’s statement came upon his arrival in Agartala from Delhi, where he had a significant meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The meeting included leaders from the District Councils of the northeastern states, focusing on the 125th Amendment concerning the empowerment of these councils.

“All the leaders of the District Councils of the Northeast met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the 125th Amendment. We apprised him that the District Councils need to be strengthened, financial power and autonomy need to be enhanced. These were the main agenda points. The meeting was productive. The Union Home Minister said that a three-member committee will be formed to address the issues under MoS Nityananda Rai. By the 25th of August, the Home Minister will decide what steps will be taken. This is not just for Tripura but for all the 10 District Councils,” he said.

During the meeting, Amit Shah assured the leaders that their agreements would be honored, marking a positive step towards addressing their demands. Regarding the Tiprasa Accord, which aims to address the issues of Tripura’s Indigenous communities, Debbarma highlighted that the Government of India has approved two representatives for the negotiations, including himself and Tipra Motha Party president BK Hrangkhawl. “The discussions are ongoing in a parallel way, and in the coming days, results will emerge. We are advocating for our people and negotiating with the Government of India, not with any political party. We are working to secure the rights of our people, and we will not compromise,” Debbarma asserted.

By Sonakshi Sarkar