TIPRA Motha, which formally joined the BJP-led Government in Tripura on Thursday, said it would not give up its demand for a separate ‘Greater Tipraland’ State by carving out areas falling under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC). Senior Tipra Motha leader Animesh Debbarma and party MLA Brishaketu Debbarma took oath as ministers in the BJP-led Government during the day. The development comes days after a tripartite agreement was signed in New Delhi between Tipra Motha, Tripura Government and the Centre.

 

The tripartite agreement signed on March 2 in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah agreed to amicably resolve all issues of the indigenous people of Tripura related to history, land and political rights, economic development, identity, culture and language, according to official statement. After the swearing-in ceremony, senior leader Animesh Debbarma said his party would move towards their “target”.

 

When asked about ‘Greater Tipraland’, he said there would not be any shift from their demand. “We will work towards achieving our goal,” Debbarma said. When asked whether they would be able to launch a movement for their demand even after joining the Government, he said, “Of course, we will be able to launch such a movement. There are instances of central ministers getting arrested while participating in movements. We will go ahead with our demands even in the Government.”