AGARTALA:
Royal scion and chairperson of the Tipraha Indigenous Progressive Regional Alliance (TIPRA) or Tipra Motha, Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, on February 19, directed his party workers to expand the ‘Greater Tipraland’ movement to Bangladesh and spread the message of ‘unity’ among the Tiprasa people, residing in parts of the neighbouring country.
Addressing a mammoth gathering held in Santirbazar sub-division, in South Tripura, Debbarma emphasised he “will not compromise with his own Tiprasa”.
“We need thancha (unity) and as a leader, my aim is to forge unity towards ‘Greater Tipraland’. We can’t form unity fighting with each other. Posts, power and chair are temporary, but dofa or jaati will be with you. We should not fool our dofa,” he said.
Referring to the numerous problems faced by the Tiprasa people residing in Bangladesh, he added, “You people have to form a team and leave for Khagrachari and Bandarban districts of Bangladesh. Get your passport ready. Our (Tiprasa) people there have been facing several problems. Not only are we going to export medicines for them, but will assist them financially, along with spreading our message of unity.”
He further urged a section of tribal leaders to join TIPRA for ‘Greater Tipraland’.
In a jibe to the ruling (BJP) state government, Debbarma said, “The ‘village council’ election in Tripura is still pending, whereas elections are being held across the country, including Manipur, to create the same. Though the government cites coronavirus as the issue, that’s not the real reason. They fear Tipra Motha. If the election is held in Tripura tomorrow, we will win every single seat.
Also present at the gathering was the former Minister of Jail, Communist Party of India (CPI) Manindra Reang, who joined Tipra Motha on Saturday.