Historic Accord for Indigenous Rights: Tripartite Agreement Signed in Tripura

New Delhi: In a landmark development, a tripartite agreement was signed today in the presence of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah, between the Government of India, Government of Tripura, and The Indigenous Progressive Regional Alliance/TIPRA, commonly known as Tripra Motha, along with other stakeholders.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the occasion as a historic day for Tripura, emphasizing that the agreement reflects a commitment to honor history, make amends, and acknowledge today’s realities. Shah asserted that while history cannot be changed, learning from past mistakes and adapting to current realities allows progress. He commended Tripra Motha and all tribal parties for their constructive role in this significant agreement.

Shah acknowledged the consistent efforts of the Tripura government in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India. He stated that Tripura, under Modi’s leadership, is committed to contributing its share towards a developed Tripura. Shah highlighted the Ministry of Home Affairs’ efforts, under PM Modi’s vision, to create an insurgency-free, dispute-free, and violence-free Northeast. He pointed out that various agreements, including the Bru-Reang agreement and border agreements, have created an environment of development by bringing people into the mainstream.

The Home Minister listed several agreements, such as the NLFT (SD) agreement in 2019, Bru and Bodo agreements in 2020, Karbi-Anglong agreement in 2021, Tribal agreement and Assam-Meghalaya border agreement in 2022, Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border agreement and Dimasa agreement in 2023, UNLF and ULFA agreement, which have been instrumental in ending the struggles of people by addressing issues related to borders, identity, language, and culture.

Under the newly signed pact, it was agreed to amicably resolve all issues concerning the indigenous people of Tripura, including history, land, political rights, economic development, identity, culture, and language. The agreement also outlines the formation of a Joint Working Group/Committee to work out and implement mutually agreed-upon points on these issues in a time-bound manner. To ensure an honorable solution, all stakeholders are expected to refrain from any form of protest or agitation from the day of signing.

Representing TIPRA, the agreement was signed by Pradyot Debbarma, Founder TIPRA, and others. Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha, Chief Minister of Tripura, and senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, and the Government of Tripura were also present during the signing ceremony.