Tiprasa Accord: Manik Saha, Pradyot hold talks, next round in Delhi

Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha has held detailed talks with TIPRA Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma on putting the Tiprasa Accord into effect, and the two sides have agreed to continue the discussion in New Delhi.

Speaking to reporters in Agartala on Thursday, October 29, Saha said the meeting went through the various provisions of the accord and the steps needed to carry them out. Chief Secretary Jitendra Kumar Sinha also took part.

Talks after the Puja season

The state government had earlier said it would take up implementation of the accord once the Durga Puja festivities were over. Saha said Thursday's meeting delivered on that plan and allowed both sides to go through several parts of the agreement.

He described the atmosphere as very cordial and said his side had raised a number of points. The next steps, he said, would be worked out in further rounds of talks in the national capital.

Land rights on the table

Land rights were among the issues discussed. Saha signalled that the government would concentrate on what can realistically be delivered.

He said he believed Pradyot understood that the state can implement only what is practically feasible, but added that there was no uncertainty: whatever is agreed upon will be carried out.

The Chief Minister also indicated that the conversation went beyond the accord itself. Another round of discussions could follow and the TIPRA Motha leadership may be invited again, he said, adding that details would be shared later and that nothing had been finalised yet.

Pradyot: accord is top priority

Pradyot reiterated that implementing the Tiprasa Accord remains his foremost priority. He said he would keep fighting for the constitutional rights of the indigenous Tiprasa people even if he stepped away from active politics.

Background

The Tiprasa Accord was signed in New Delhi between the Centre, the Tripura government and TIPRA Motha to address long-standing demands of the state's indigenous communities, including their history, land, political rights, economic development, identity, culture and language. TIPRA Motha, which controls the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council, is a partner in the BJP-led state government.

Expectations among indigenous groups over how quickly the accord's promises will be delivered have remained high, which gives the latest round of talks political weight. The follow-up meetings in Delhi are expected to focus on finalising next steps and addressing pending concerns. No date has been announced for them.