Separate State Tipraland won't solve Citizenship Bill problem, says Pradyot Manikya

Agartala, November 5, 2019:

Indigenous people's leader Pradyot Manikya on Thursday said that the formation of separate state Tipraland or the creation of a Union Territory will not solve the problems of the indigenous people of Tripura.

Addressing the people of Tripura via Facebook, Manikya said that the there has been no confirmation whether the Union Ministry has given cognizance to the demands of the people in regards to the controversial CAB, which includes the sealing of the Indo-Bangla border along Tripura. Pradyot further demanded the exclusion of the TDC tribal area in Tripura from the purview of the CAB.

Manikya said that the formation of Tipraland will not solve the issue of the Citizenship Bill, and separate statehood is not the solution, as it endangers the people in its present form.

ALSO READ: Drugs worth more than Rs 150 Cr Seized in Manipur

Royal scion Manikya, who played a key role in the movement against the Bill when it was introduced earlier this year, further stated that the formation of a Union Territory also will not solve the problems of the indigenous people, who have been reduced to a minority.

It may be mentioned here that that many indigenous organizations and student bodies have been organizing protests against the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Bill amid the Centre's resolve to enact the Bill. In Tripura, too, the local tribals have launched mass movements to protest the introduction of the Bill.

ALSO READ: Bhaichung Bhutia opposes “very dangerous” Citizenship Bill

On Thursday,  members of the Indigenous Nationalist Party of Tripura (INPT), a regional party, have blocked the national highway and railway from morning with the demand of the Bill’s withdrawal.

Early in the morning, INPT supporters and workers blocked the national highway at Khamting Bari area of Jirania Sub-division. Later, supporters of the party also squatted on the railway line, effectively ceasing operations along the route. INPT supporters sat on the railway line and staged a demonstration with flags, and banners.

Meanwhile, security has been beefed up along the national highways and railway in view of the 12-hour blockade called by the INPT in protest against the proposed Bill, which is set to be tabulated within this week.

Support Inside Northeast (InsideNE), an independent media platform that focuses on Citizen-centric stories from Northeast India that are surprising, inspiring, cinematic and emotionally relevant.