Assam MP Biswajit Daimary Demands Union Territory for Indigenous Tribals of Tripura

New Delhi, December 4, 2019:

Rajya Sabha MP from Assam, Biswajit Daimary, has said that the indigenous tribals of Tripura should be safeguarded by the Indian Union.

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During a discussion on the Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman & Diu (Merger of UTs) Bill 2019, Daimary, supporting the Bill, said that similar "administrative convenience" is needed in parts of the Northeast, as well.

Citing the example of the erstwhile kingdom of Tripura, Daimary lamented that the indigenous tribals have become a minority, and their very existence is at stake. Daimary said that during the next Parliamentary session, a solution must be sought for the Tripura tribals who have seen their very existence wiped off, little-by-little.

"During their merger with India, they were assured that they would be well taken care of -- that their art, culture, and language would be developed", Daimary said.

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However, the indigenous tribals -- the aborigines, are in trouble, the MP stated, adding that their language as well as their lands are in danger. "In 1984, they were given Council status under the 6th schedule of the Constitution, however, they do not enjoy the same rights as the other areas with similar provisions", Daimary rued.

It may be mentioned that the demand for the creation of a separate state Tipraland has reached fever-pitch ever since the bifurcation of Jammu & Kashmir into two Union territories. The demand for separate states Gorkhaland (for the Gorkhas), and Bodoland (for the Bodos) in Assam, have also been gaining momentum since the shake-up in Kashmir.

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