Agartala, August 23: The Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT) organised a mass rally and public gathering in Agartala on Sunday to observe Tipraland Statehood Demand Day, reiterating its longstanding demand for a separate state for the indigenous people of Tripura.
The programme was attended by Tripura Minister Sukla Charan Noatia along with senior IPFT leaders and supporters from different parts of the state.
Addressing the gathering, Noatia said August 23 holds significance as the day associated with the formation and constitutional recognition of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC). He said the IPFT has been observing the day as Tipraland Statehood Demand Day every year since 2009, following the party’s formation under the leadership of late N.C. Debbarma.
According to Noatia, the party has organised programmes in Agartala, Khumulung, Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and at district and subdivision levels in different years to press for its demand.
He said the party is seeking a separate state under Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution of India, arguing that statehood is necessary to protect the identity, traditions and interests of the indigenous people of Tripura.
The IPFT had planned to observe this year’s programme at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, but the plan could not materialise as permission was reportedly not granted by the authorities amid protests and other developments involving CJP students. The party subsequently organised the programme in Agartala.
As part of Saturday’s programme, the IPFT organised a rally and gathering in the capital and submitted a memorandum to the Governor through its representatives.
Speaking about the party’s position while being part of the government, Noatia said the IPFT would continue its democratic movement until its demand for a separate state is fulfilled. He maintained that the issue falls under the jurisdiction of the Central Government and expressed hope that the Centre would consider the demand in the interest of protecting the identity and existence of Tripura’s indigenous population.
On the upcoming Village Council elections and recent discussions between the BJP and Tipra Motha, Noatia said elections would come and go, but the IPFT’s core ideology and demand would remain unchanged. He said any decision regarding political discussions or alliances would be taken by the party’s core and central committees.
The IPFT reiterated that its demand for a separate Tipraland state would remain a central part of its political movement.
