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Context

• The Union government signed a tripartite agreement with the Tripura government and Tipra Motha for a “time-bound” and “honourable” solution to “all issues” related to the state’s indigenous people.

Details

• The agreement aims to resolve issues related to history, land and political rights, economic development, identity, culture, and language of the indigenous people of Tripura.
• A joint working group/committee will be constituted to implement the mutually agreed points on the mentioned issues in a time-bound manner.
• Additionally, the agreement calls for stakeholders to refrain from protests or agitations, underscoring the importance of peace and dialogue in achieving a sustainable and inclusive solution.

TIPRA Motha and its Demands

• TIPRA Motha, a party, led by Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barma, has emerged as a key advocate for the rights and interests of the indigenous tribes of Tripura.
• The party's demands, including the
  • Creation of Greater Tipraland,
  • Empowerment of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), and
  • the adoption of the Roman script for the Kokborok language.
• These underscore the need for greater autonomy and recognition of the indigenous identity.

Greater Tipraland and its Objectives

• The concept of Greater Tipraland envisages the establishment of a new state for the 19 indigenous tribes of Tripura, as provided for under Articles 2 and 3 of the Indian Constitution.
• This initiative seeks to secure the cultural, political, and economic aspirations of the indigenous communities, ensuring their sustainable development and self-governance

Regional Extent of the Proposed State

• The proposed state of Greater Tipraland aims to encompass all tribal persons living in indigenous areas outside the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTADC).
• This includes Tripuris residing in other states of India and in bordering areas of Bangladesh, thereby encompassing the broader diaspora of the indigenous community

Origin of the Demand

• The demand for Greater Tipraland is rooted in the historical marginalization and demographic changes that have reduced the indigenous communities to a minority in their own land.
• The influx of refugees from East Pakistan and subsequent conflicts have exacerbated these challenges, leading to the call for greater autonomy and recognition of indigenous rights.

Ethnic Conflict and Insurgency

• The history of Tripura is marked by ethnic conflict and insurgency, particularly in the 1980s, as tensions between tribal and non-tribal communities escalated.
• The demand for autonomous regions or separate statehood emerged as a response to these challenges, reflecting the deep-seated grievances and aspirations of the indigenous tribes.

Rise of Ethnic Politics

• In recent years, there has been a resurgence of ethnic politics in Tripura, with TIPRA Motha seeking to unite tribal and non-tribal people behind a common ethnic identity.
• The party's advocacy for a separate state reflects a broader movement towards reclaiming and revitalizing the indigenous identity and heritage of Tripura.

Alleged Discrimination faced by TTAADC

• The alleged discrimination faced by the TTAADC, despite its constitutional mandate to protect tribal rights and heritage, highlights the broader challenges of governance and resource allocation in tribal areas.
• The disparity between the budget allocation and the population share of the tribal communities underscores the need for greater empowerment and autonomy at the grassroots level.

Kokborok Language Kokborok is a Sino-Tibetan language of the Bodo–Garo branch. It is related to the Bodo and Dimasa languages of neighboring Assam. The Garo language is also a related language spoken in the state of Meghalaya and neighboring Bangladesh. Kókborok consists of several dialects spoken in Tripura.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Discuss the concept of "Greater Tipraland" and its significance in the context of Tripura's tribal areas. Analyze the demands associated with this concept. Evaluate the potential implications of these demands on the socio-political landscape of Tripura. (250 words)