By TC News Desk
Agartala, 27th November 2024: Tribal student and youth organizations, including the Youth Tipra Federation (YTF) and the Twipra Student Federation (TSF), staged protests in Agartala against the Tripura government’s alleged decision to hand over the historic Pushpabanta Palace to a private entity. The palace is reportedly set to be converted into a luxury hotel under a deal with the Taj Group, a move that the organizations demand be reconsidered.
The Youth Tipra Federation, the youth wing of the Tipra Motha Party, organized a protest rally and submitted a memorandum to the West District Magistrate, Dr. Vishal Kumar, opposing the government’s decision.
YTF President Suraj Debbarma told reporters, “We have learned that Pushpabanta Palace, built in 1917 by Maharaja Birendra Kishore Manikya Bahadur Debbarma, is to be handed over to the Taj Group to be transformed into a hotel. This cannot be allowed. Historical landmarks cannot be turned into commercial ventures for revenue generation. We have submitted a memorandum to voice our objections.”
Debbarma emphasized Tripura’s rich cultural heritage and suggested that the Taj Group establish its hotel elsewhere in the state. “Tripura has ample land for development, including within the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council. If the government cannot maintain its cultural heritage and is resorting to privatization, they owe the people an explanation. We are not against development or the Taj Group, but historical sites must remain protected.”
The Twipra Student Federation (TSF), a member organization of the North East Students’ Organisation (NESO), also expressed its concerns by submitting a memorandum to Tribal Welfare Minister Bikas Debbarma.
TSF General Secretary Hamalu Jamatia stated, “Development and economic progress should not come at the expense of erasing or commercializing our historical and cultural legacy. Pushpabanta Palace is a symbol of Tripura’s heritage and its Indigenous communities. Turning it into a luxury hotel undermines its significance. We strongly recommend that the government allocate alternative land to the Taj Group for their hotel project.”
Jamatia further suggested that preserving the palace while promoting tourism would be a more balanced approach. “This initiative could not only protect the palace but also foster pride among local communities while supporting tourism. We trust that the government will prioritize safeguarding the cultural identity of Tripura and ensure development plans respect the aspirations of its people,” he concluded.
Both organizations have called for an immediate review of the government’s decision, urging action to preserve the historical and cultural essence of the Pushpabanta Palace.
