Photo Courtesy: nenow
Agartala: Traditional tribal leaders in Tripura are demanding immediate government action. They want the state to finalize the codification of customary laws for 14 Scheduled Tribe communities. The legislative process has stalled for years. This delay leaves indigenous customs and local institutions without legal protection.
A delegation from the Tripura Tribal Customary Law Coordination Committee met Chief Minister Manik Saha at his residence. They handed him a formal memorandum. They argue that the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) already cleared the necessary bills on December 28, 2022. The state government has not finished the work. "The prolonged delay has created uncertainty over the legal recognition and protection of indigenous customs, traditions and institutions," the committee stated.
Tripura currently recognizes 19 Scheduled Tribe groups. Each community maintains unique languages and social structures. Historically, these groups solved disputes using their own traditional systems. The TTAADC exists to guard these specific rights. Despite this, only the Jamatia Customary Law has ever reached formal enactment. The remaining 14 bills cover the Tripuri, Reang, Chakma, Garo, Uchoi, Noatia, Murasing, Kaipeng, Rupini, Hrankhawl, Mog, Mizo, and Choroi communities.
The TTAADC sent these bills to the Tribal Welfare Department to secure the Governor's assent. Officials returned some documents for corrections. The process remains stuck. The committee now insists the state government finish the job. They want these ancient practices enshrined in a clear, legally recognized framework immediately.
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