Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Agartala: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha and Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma met in Khumulwng on November 10. They gathered to swear in seven new Executive Members of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council. The new officials include Kamal Kalai, Rajeshwar Debbarma, Kenaram Reang, Kangjoy Mog, Debajit Tripura, Hollywood Chakma, and David Murasingh.
Saha declared the tribal council an integral part of the state. He emphasized that the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution protects indigenous rights to land, culture, and language. He warned that these rights require careful exercise. He urged the council to keep their demands practical. "The rights relating to land, tradition, culture and language accorded to indigenous people should be exercised carefully. There should not be any gaps in enjoying these rights. There may be demands from the tribal council, but they should be practical," Saha said.
The state government has formed a committee to review land issues. Another team is examining plans to merge low-enrollment schools to boost education quality. Saha also proposed building residential schools similar to the Eklavya Model. He insisted that constant dialogue is the only way to solve development disputes. Disputes are inevitable, but silence creates gaps.
Pradyot reaffirmed his exit from active politics. He insisted his retirement is final. Despite this, he pledged to keep serving the Tiprasa community. He thanked Saha for attending the event, noting that the presence of the Chief Minister signals a shift toward better cooperation between the state and the council. Pradyot reminded the new Executive Members that public service matters more than titles. He encouraged them to remain honest and accountable to the people.
Pradyot denied rumors that he intends to leave the state. He plans to focus on social work to support the region. He invited the Chief Minister to visit Khumulwng frequently to review administrative progress. The council intends to submit several development proposals to the government soon. These requests will cover economic infrastructure and education, regardless of financial requirements.
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