GUWAHATI: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha and political outfit TIPRA Motha described as “historic” the tripartite agreement signed with the central government towards finding a “constitutional solution” to the various problems faced by the state’s indigenous tribal population – Tiprasa.
TIPRA Motha chief Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma said that the key to success lies in the proper implementation of the pact on the ground. He stressed the importance of implementing the accord with integrity, patience, and humanity, and called for the involvement of experts in academia, law, and those knowledgeable about land rights, history, culture, and language of the state in the joint working committee.
Highlighting the issues raised by TIPRA Motha relating to the history, land and political rights, economic development, identity, culture and language of the indigenous tribals, Saha said it was agreed that they would be resolved through dialogues.
“I believe the tripartite agreement will fulfil the aspirations of the tribals. We have no intention to deprive anyone. We will resolve the issues through dialogues,” the CM said.
He said TIPRA Motha had raised the issues and drew the attention of state and central governments from time to time seeking a solution. The government also held dialogues occasionally to find ways and means to resolve them, he added.
Saha hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah for the agreement. He thanked TIPRA Motha chief as well.
“This agreement was the need of the hour. We want peace to continue to prevail in Tripura. I often say we want to stay in the government by not creating problems but by finding a solution. We want to make Tripura a progressive state. With this agreement, we took one step ahead,” Saha said.
Meanwhile, Debbarma thanked the Centre, Tripura government and Tiprasa people for the agreement.