Agartala: Dec 14. The Tipra Motha Party today warned the State and Central governments over the continued delay in implementing the tripartite Tiprasa Accord, cautioning that if the issue is ignored, the party may be forced to reconsider its position. Speaking at a press conference at Chandra Mehal this evening, TMP leaders said timely implementation is essential for the welfare of people living in Sixth Schedule areas and for maintaining their dignity.
Spokesperson Rajeshwar Debbarma emphasized that TMP has strictly adhered to the Accord’s clause against protests, but repeated assurances from the government have not translated into action even around two years after the Accord was signed. “While we have maintained restraint, the lack of implementation amounts to violation of the spirit of the Accord,” he said. “If this continues, it will be seen as sheer apathy,” he warned.
At the press meet, spokespersons– including newly appointed TMP spokesperson and former TTAADC CEO C.K. Jamatia, Sunil Debbarma, and Anthony Debbarma joined Rajeshwar Debbarma in addressing the media, focusing on the recent controversial remarks made by Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha and Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma.
Rajeshwar Debbarma strongly condemned the CM’s statement that Kokborok speakers should develop their own script instead of using Roman script. He said the choice of script lies solely with the Kokborok-speaking community. “After defeating 25 years of Communist rule, Tiprasa people had hoped the present government would promote Kokborok, but yesterday’s statement completely contradicts that hope,” he added.
Debbarma reminded that two expert commissions headed by former legislator Shyama Charan Tripura and linguist Pabitra Sarkar had recommended Roman script for textbooks, but the reports have been “remained submerged for 20 years.” He urged the CM to change his perspective, emphasizing, “We Kokborok speakers know which script will help our language grow.”
C.K. Jamatia highlighted linguistic reasons, citing words like ‘Mwtai’ and ‘Kutwi’, which he said cannot be accurately written in Bengali script. Sunil Debbarma added that ignoring the demand insults the long-standing struggle of Tiprasas and warned the government against forcing the party to resume protests.
The TMP also condemned Minister Bikash Debbarma for saying he would “remove the skin of Motha workers like broiler chickens,” terming it as dangerous and unacceptable, especially since it was said in the presence of the CM and cabinet ministers.
Speaker Anthony Debbarma called the CM’s remarks discriminatory and questioned his approach to indigenous identity. Sunil Debbarma described Bikash Debbarma’s statement as “hooliganism,” emphasizing that TMP stands for peace, harmony, and the common interest of the Tiprasa people.
The spokespersons also criticized the handling of the concluding Unity Promo Fest, noting that while crores were spent to promote culture and unity a commendable effort the unprecedented use of violence against the public was unacceptable, and they demanded strict action against the responsible police personnel.
