Agartala, November 1, 2026: Demanding the speedy codification of customary laws of various tribal communities in Tripura, the Tripura Tribal Customary Law Coordination Committee has announced a three-hour mass sit-in programme on December 7.
The decision was taken at an important meeting of the heads and traditional community leaders representing different tribal communities, held at Agartala Press Club on Sunday. Addressing a press conference after the meeting, committee representatives expressed concern over the delay in legally recognising and codifying the traditional customs and customary laws of the state’s tribal communities.
According to the committee, 14 Customary Law Bills were unanimously passed during the TTAADC session on December 28, 2022. However, the bills have not yet been fully processed for statutory recognition. While some bills were returned for necessary corrections, the committee alleged that several revised bills are still pending with the TTAADC administration and have not been forwarded to the state government’s Tribal Welfare Department for obtaining the Governor’s assent.
The committee stated that despite repeated appeals to the state government and the TTAADC administration, including separate memorandums submitted to the Chief Minister and the Chief Executive Member of TTAADC on July 27, 2026, no concrete initiative has been taken to resolve the issue.
The proposed mass sit-in will be held near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, adjacent to Circuit House in Agartala, from 12 noon on December 7 and will continue for three hours.
The committee warned that if the state government and TTAADC administration fail to take concrete steps towards codifying the customary laws even after the protest, it will launch a larger statewide agitation. It also cautioned that a statewide Tripura bandh could be called as part of its future movement.
The committee emphasised that the recognition and legal protection of customary laws are essential to preserving the distinct culture, traditions, customs, beliefs and heritage of Tripura’s tribal communities.
