In the heart of New Delhi, a trilateral accord was inked on Saturday, uniting TIPRA Motha with the administrations of Tripura and India. This historic event unfolded in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, marking a significant stride towards a lasting resolution for the predicaments faced by the indigenous populace of the state. Shah underscored that through this pact, the government not only acknowledged historical missteps but also embraced the current reality, paving the way for a more promising future.
The terms of the agreement encompass the amicable resolution of multifaceted issues affecting Tripura’s indigenous people, spanning historical grievances, land and political rights, economic development, cultural identity, and language. An official statement outlined the commitment to address these concerns. Shah assured all stakeholders in Tripura that their struggle for rights is a thing of the past, emphasizing the government’s proactive stance in establishing mechanisms to safeguard these rights.
Reflecting on the inexorable course of history, Shah articulated that while one cannot alter the past, there exists a collective responsibility to learn from past errors and forge ahead. He commended the constructive role played by TIPRA Motha and other tribal parties, acknowledging the earnest efforts of the BJP government in Tripura towards this accord. The trilateral agreement, sealed at North Block, marks a pivotal moment in the collaboration between Tripura Indigenous Progressive Regional Alliance (TIPRA Motha) and the state and central governments.
Shah highlighted that, guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this treaty is another testament to fostering harmony in the Northeast. He joyfully announced the resolution of issues pertaining to economic development, land rights, and the identity of Tripura’s indigenous people. The Home Minister contextualized this agreement within the broader framework of 11 peace and boundary settlements in Northeastern states under the Modi government. Notably, the pact with TIPRA Motha culminates the Northeastern engagements before the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
Pradyot Debbarma, the leader of TIPRA Motha, had embarked on a ‘fast-unto-death’ to underscore the urgency of a permanent solution for indigenous issues. Following assurances from the Central government’s interlocutors, he arrived in the national capital, ultimately consenting to the pact. Debbarma stood as one of the signatories to the agreement, alongside the presence of Tripura Chief Minister Manik Shah.
Shah emphasized that this agreement propels Tripura towards a state of dispute-free coexistence. As part of the accord, a Joint Working Group or Committee is slated to formulate and implement mutually agreed-upon points across various issues within a stipulated timeframe, ensuring an honorable resolution.
In a bid to foster an environment conducive to the pact’s implementation, all stakeholders are urged to abstain from any form of protest or agitation from the day of signing onwards. Shah asserted that Tripura is poised to contribute significantly to realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) while progressing as a ‘Viksit Tripura.’
Underlining Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the Ministry of Home Affairs has diligently pursued the vision of an insurgency-free, dispute-free, and violence-free Northeast. Shah observed that multiple agreements, a testament to the Modi government’s efforts, have led to approximately 10,000 individuals relinquishing arms and embracing mainstream activities in recent years, fostering a climate of development in the region.