MARKING the beginning of discussions which could lead to crucial decisions regarding tribal demands in Tripura, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Advisor on North-East Affairs A K Mishra Tuesday opened dialogue with the TIPRA Motha. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, TIPRA Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma said, “We have submitted our demands. including Greater Tipraland. Now the government has to get back on what solution they have in mind regarding the future of Tiprasa people.” Debbarma added that they would entertain a proposal only if given in writing, even if it stopped short of statehood, adding: “We are not inconsiderate people.” The TIPRA Motha's main demand remains separate administration and Greater Tipraland as “the final solution”, apart from development of Kokborok, the lingua franca of a majority of the 19 tribal communities of the state. Debbarma talked about this, reminding officials that one reason for Bengali-speaking East Pakistan breaking away from Pakistan was the new nation's bid to impose Urdu. Mishra is also scheduled to meet representatives of tribal wings of other political parties, tribal student bodies and the ‘samajpati (leader)' of different tribal clans. The TIPRA Motha earlier met Mishra in New Delhi, with the MHA advisor later also having discussions with leaders of BJP ally Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura, headmen of different tribal clans and forums of former insurgents in the Capital. However, there is no official acknowledgment of Mishra's role. Floated two years ago, in 2021, the Motha has seen a steep rise and is now the main Opposition in the state, tapping into concerns of tribals, especially over their ethnic identity. After the Assembly results in April this year gave it only a thin majority, the BJP had made friendly overtures to the Motha. Subsequently, Debbarma had assured supporters that the Centre would soon appoint an interlocutor to talk with the Motha on its demands. BJP coordinator for Northeast states Sambit Patra had also promised the same. With months passing and no coordinator being appointed, the Motha's position had weakened. Mishra's visit hence comes as a boost. It is also expected to help the Motha in the coming Lok Sabha elections in Tripura, which has two parliamentary seats. Earlier, Debbarma had scored another political win by getting Meghalaya Chief Minister and NPP supremo Conrad Sangma for his rally in October, where he extended support to the Tiprasa statehood demand. There is some talk of an alternative regional political front, which could be a counter the BJP's growing influence in the region.
