Agartala, Tripura:Bubagra Pradyot ADC issue
Bubagra Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barma, the founder of Tipra Motha, has expressed grave concern about what he perceived as an increasing effort to undermine the constitutional safeguards for the tribal people in the state of Tripura.
During a Facebook Live speech, he stated that Tipra Motha would never be willing to give up its ideology, its principles, or its commitment to the Tiprasa people under any circumstances.
With the Foundation Day of the party set to take place on February 5, he called upon all leaders at all levels to conduct public programs in villages and rural areas. Through such programs, he said, people must be made aware of the grave challenges that land rights, the Autonomous District Council (ADC), and tribal education are facing.
Concerns Over ADC and Sixth Schedule Safeguards
According to Bubagra Pradyot, certain forces are actively trying to dilute the authority of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC). He recalled that tribal leaders fought for decades to establish the council under the Sixth Schedule to protect land, identity, and self-rule.
However, he warned that weakening the Sixth Schedule would directly damage tribal self-governance. Moreover, such steps could allow encroachment and commercial exploitation of ADC land.
Referring to recent developments in Bishramganj, he alleged illegal attempts to enter tribal areas. As a result, he announced that Tipra Motha would approach the court to challenge any unlawful activity.
“We will fight this battle legally and constitutionally,” he said.
Land Rights Remain a Central Issue | Bubagra Pradyot ADC issue
Bubagra Pradyot also expressed his reservations regarding the delay in giving the land rights to the tribal people. According to him, large interests may be targeting the ADC land for commercial purposes in the future.
Thus, he said that once the land is lost, it can never be regained. Although he accepted that people from different communities are residing in the ADC areas, he reiterated that the main purpose of the council is to protect the rights of the tribals.
Script Issue Linked to Students’ Future
Moving on to the script controversy, Bubagra Pradyot clarified that Tipra Motha does not have any objection to the Bengali language. Rather, the party demands academic alternatives for tribal students.
Currently, many students of Class 10 and Class 12 take their exams in Roman script. Therefore, he said that these students should be given question papers in English. Otherwise, there might be massive failure, and the future of the students will be at stake.
Reaction to Statements by Political Allies
Meanwhile, Bubagra Pradyot expressed pain over remarks allegedly made against Tipra Motha leaders by certain alliance partners. He described such language as unacceptable and damaging to coalition ethics.
At the same time, he reaffirmed his respect for the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister. In contrast, he criticised the current state-level political atmosphere and alleged that a few leaders continue to target Tipra Motha and the Tiprasa community.
Call for Unity Beyond Party Politics | Bubagra Pradyot ADC issue
Addressing the Tiprasa community directly, Bubagra Pradyot appealed to them to move beyond their political affiliations. He asked them to keep their focus on safeguarding their land rights and ensuring a bright future for their children.
While he again reaffirmed Tipra Motha’s commitment to peace, development, and democracy, he warned them not to test the patience of the tribal community.
Finally, he announced that he would personally visit the affected areas and take up legal action through constitutional means.
“Others may have power,” he concluded, “but we have the Constitution.”
