By TC News Desk
Agartala, 14th November 2024: The Tipra Motha Party initiated a state-wide campaign, presenting block-wise memoranda to Tripura Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu. The party called for swift action on key issues including the implementation of the TIPRASA Accord, scheduling of Village Committee elections, and the passage of the 125th Amendment to the Indian Constitution.
Tipra Motha had previously announced plans to begin this campaign on November 14, with marches across Tripura to gather and submit memoranda pressing these demands. The party stated in its appeal that immediate action is essential to address these longstanding issues and has sought the Governor’s intervention.
The memorandum first emphasizes the need for *urgent implementation of the TIPRASA Accord*. Signed on March 2, 2024, this tripartite agreement between the Government of India, the Government of Tripura, and TIPRA was designed to address and resolve the longstanding concerns of Tripura’s indigenous people. Key issues covered by the accord include historical grievances, land and political rights, economic development, and the preservation of indigenous identity, culture, and language. The memorandum noted that the first meeting of the Joint Working Group, established to oversee the accord’s implementation, was held on September 20, 2024, in New Delhi. The party urged the Governor to expedite this process, ensuring timely fulfillment of commitments made to the indigenous communities.
Regarding *Village Committee elections*, Tipra Motha pointed out that the last elections were held in 2016, with the five-year term expiring in 2021. Since then, the tribal areas under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) have awaited new elections. Despite repeated petitions and directions from the High Court of Tripura urging the State Election Commission (SEC) to hold the elections, these have been delayed due to cited technical challenges. The absence of elected Village Committees has led to a governance vacuum, affecting local administration and the direct implementation of welfare schemes, the party argued, stressing that the elections are crucial for democratic engagement and grassroots development.
The memorandum also urged the *immediate passage of the 125th Amendment to the Indian Constitution*. This amendment proposes changes to the Sixth Schedule, which would enhance the financial and administrative powers of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in the Northeastern states, including Tripura. By bolstering these councils, the amendment would directly benefit tribal communities in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura. Tipra Motha appealed to the Governor to advocate for the passage of this amendment, ensuring that indigenous rights and powers are protected and strengthened across the Northeast.
In its appeal, Tipra Motha highlighted the urgency of these demands, requesting the Governor to communicate their importance to the Government of India and advocate for prompt action.
