The central government recently signed a tripartite agreement with the Tripura government and Indigenous Progressive Regional Alliance (TIPRA) to resolve issues concerning the indigenous tribal population of Tripura.
Key Highlights
- The agreement aims to find solutions related to the history, land rights, economic development, cultural identity and language concerns of indigenous communities
- A joint working committee will be set up to implement the agreed actions
- All stakeholders will refrain from protests/agitations after signing the agreement
Background
Demands by TIPRA Motha
- Greater Tipraland statehood
- For tribal population spread across Tripura and neighboring areas
- More autonomy for Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC)
- Official language status for tribal Kokborok script
Issues Highlighted
- Declining share of indigenous tribal population
- From 63.77% (1881) to 31.80% (2011)
- Encroachment on tribal land
- Lack of economic development
- TTAADC gets only 2% of state budget
- Identity and cultural concerns
- Regional insurgencies over autonomy
Tribal Population Statistics of Tripura
| Year | Tribal Population Percentage |
| 1881 | 63.77% |
| 2011 | 31.80% |
Analysis
Reasons Behind Indigenous Demands
- Altered demographics due to influx of refugees from Bangladesh
- Perceived discrimination in education, jobs relative to Bengali population
- Lack of economic opportunities widening gap between indigenous and migrant communities
- Failure of linguistic re-organisation to protect tribal cultural identity
Government Initiatives
- Special schemes by Tribal Welfare Department
- Investments in education, health and skill development in tribal areas
- Promotion of Kokborok language
Autonomy Demand
- Tipra Motha asserts that an autonomous state is essential for protecting and promoting distinct tribal cultural identity of Tripuris
- It has criticized functioning of the Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) for failing to achieve its objectives
- Demands constitutional solutions under Article 244(A) to safeguard ethnic Tripuri customs, socio-economic rights
Linguistic Issues
- Recognition of Kokborok as an official language of the new proposed Tipraland state
- Introduction of Kokborok in schools and promotion of the language in administration/ governance
- Preservation of tribal dialects that are at the risk of fading out due lack of literary traditions
Land Rights and Ownership
- Resettlement of displaced Bru/Reang tribes who fled ethnic violence from neighbouring Mizoram
- Restoration of land ownership rights in tribal council areas illegally transferred to non-tribals via arbitrary allotments
- Prevention of encroachment on village commons and preservation of customary land management practices
Socio-Economic Development
- Demand for fair share of state resources and special tribal sub-plans proportionate to their population
- Greater decision making powers and fiscal autonomy to TTAADC for indigenous-led local planning
- Focused policies for poverty alleviation, employment generation to bridge development gaps.
The agreement marks an important milestone in addressing long-standing demands of indigenous Tripuri tribes. Along with sustained government investments, political dialogue and public participation will be vital for permanent peace.
- The Tipraha Indigenous Progressive Regional Alliance (TIPRA) Motha is a regional political party in Tripura formed in 2021
- It is led by royal scion Pradyot Manikya Debbarma and aims to fight for rights of indigenous tribes
- Greater Tipraland demand seeks a separate state for 19 Tripuri tribes native to Tripura
- It wants inclusion of all tribal populations from Tripura, Assam, Mizoram and adjoining Bangladesh areas
- Kokborok is the native language spoken by Tripuri tribes that TIPRA wants official recognition for
- Tripura has 19 indigenous tribal communities, including Tripuri, Reang, Noatia, Lusai, Chakma, Halam, Garo, Mog etc
- Conflict over tribal rights in Tripura has fuelled insurgencies since 1980s led by groups like NLFT and ATTF
- 1888 – Establishment of Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTADC) to protect tribal rights
- TTAADC administers 70% of Tripura’s geographical area and is home to one third of population
- Motha signed Memorandum of Settlement with Tripura government last year for more power to TTAADC
- Tribals protest lack of political representation – only 20 of 60 state assembly seats from tribal areas
- Motha swept Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections in 2021
- Alliance with Congress for February 2023 assembly polls but could not dislodge incumbent BJP government.