Agartala, Feb 25: Peeved with the central government’s delay to address the rights of the tribal people in Tripura, the opposition party TIPRA Motha has given a protest call for the blockade of National Highway 8 and staging of a hunger strike beginning February 28.
The announcement was made by party president Bijoy Kumar Hrangkhawl during discussions with reporters in Agartala on Sunday, following a meeting of the central working committee, district leaders, and various other organizations.
Hrangkhawl, a former MLA, outlined that the agitation is set to begin on Wednesday, with Pradyot Kishore Debbarma and other leaders participating in the hunger strike. Expressing deep discontent with the central government’s prolonged deliberations, Hrangkhawl accused them of deliberately stalling the implementation of Greater Tipraland and constitutional rights for indigenous communities.
Furthermore, Hrangkhawl criticized the central government for allegedly orchestrating defections to the BJP to weaken TIPRA Motha’s support base, asserting that the remaining supporters remain steadfast in their allegiance to the party.
Regarding the hunger strike, Hrangkhawl warned that it could escalate into a fast-unto-death or an indefinite strike, highlighting the seriousness of the party’s position. He also hinted at undisclosed future strategies to increase pressure on the government.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that TIPRA Motha leader Pradyot Kishore, who recently threatened a hunger strike until death, has been urgently summoned to New Delhi for discussions with the central government and senior BJP leaders. The outcome of these discussions will be closely watched as tensions continue to escalate in Tripura.
