TMP Chief Pradyot Kishore Calls for United Indigenous Voice
Agartala, Nov 4: TIPRA Motha chief Pradyot Kishore Debbarma has called for greater unity among the indigenous communities of the Northeast, stressing the need for a collective voice in Delhi to address long-pending issues.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday in Agartala airport after returning from Delhi, the TMP Chief said that while the Tiprasa, Mizo, and Naga communities have often raised similar concerns, they have never done so collectively as one united front of indigenous people. “Today, Tiprasa is not alone. The Mizo and Dimasa communities are standing with us, and now the entire Northeast is awakening,” he said.
Referring to the delay in holding the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections, the TIPRA Motha chief questioned why such a long gap was allowed despite earlier agreements.
“The last election was held in 2016, and now 2026 is approaching. We are a democratic nation, not a monarchy. Then why were elections for nine years not conducted? If they wanted to do it, they could have — why did we have to go to the Supreme Court and the High Court?”
Debbarma asked, adding that the matter progressed only because of legal intervention, not goodwill.
On being asked about discussions regarding the proposed Accord in Delhi, Pradyot Kishore confirmed that he met the Chief Minister and senior officials, who assured him of their intent to move forward. “They said they want to do it, and we will see how soon they act,” he stated.
Emphasizing that the welfare of the people must remain the top priority,
Debbarma said, “The media is focusing too much on what will happen to the party. But no party is bigger than the people. If solving people’s problems requires it, throw the party into the dustbin and keep the interests of the people above everything else. Only then will Tripura, India, and the Northeast truly develop.”
He added that discussions are being held with all concerned leaders to take the movement for indigenous rights forward.
