Agartala: The second round of discussions under the Tiprasa Accord took place in New Delhi on Tuesday with the founder of the TIPRA Motha party Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma emphasizing that no compromises were made on their core demands.
The meeting saw participation from several leaders including Tripura state TIPRA Motha President Bijoy Kumar Hrangkhwal, Secretary to the Chief Minister and officials from the Union Home Ministry AK Mishra and Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barma himself.
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In a media interaction following the meeting, Debbarma confirmed that key issues including land rights, language, constitutional solutions as well as seat reservation were thoroughly discussed. He also revealed that the next round of talks is scheduled for late January or early February.
He expressed during that time clarity will come on the 125th Constitutional Amendment, which, he stated, is being considered as a framework to accommodate many of their demands. While the supreme refrained from disclosing specific details of several off-the-record conversations that occurred during the discussions, he assured that all discussions remain focused on securing the rights and aspirations of the indigenous people of Tripura. He said many things also have been discussed in the meeting off the record and he refused to divulge all the things.
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On the other hand, the royal scion Debbarma seems to have softened his stand on the Pushpabanta Palace issue. On Tuesday said that his objection to the government plan was an instant reaction. He hinted that a discussion on the matter may take place and the government must ensure that the original status of the structure will not be disturbed. He also said the government must clarify where the revenue will go and whether the Indigenous people of the TTAADC area will get their share or not. He said everything has a solution.
However, Tipra Motha supremo Debbarma has expressed concerns about transforming the historic Pushpabanta Palace into a five-star Hotel. Speaking during a media interaction, he clarified that while he is not against tourism, he is deeply concerned about the nature of modifications that may alter the palace’s cultural and historical significance. Debbarma highlighted the announcement made by President Droupadi Murmu during her last visit to establish a cultural centre in honour of Maharaja Birendra Kishore Manikya. He questioned whether the palace’s name would be changed and emphasized the importance of retaining its historical identity.
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The TIPRA Motha leader also demanded clarity on how the revenue generated from the palaces would benefit the indigenous communities of Tripura. He stressed that royalties from tourism-related activities should be shared with the Tiprasa community and hoped the state government would initiate discussions with stakeholders before proceeding with the project.
Meanwhile, the TIPRA Women Federation (TWF), the women’s wing of the TIPRA Motha party, staged a sit-in protest at the Circuit House area on Wednesday, opposing the government’s decision. The government’s plans for Pushpabanta Palace have sparked widespread interest and debate, with many calling for a balanced approach that prioritizes both cultural preservation and tourism development.
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