Tripura: BJP Ally IPFT Renews Demand For Separate Statehood

The rally underscores the IPFT's efforts to revive its political relevance by focusing on its core demand for tribal rights and statehood.

Amid the ongoing discussions in New Delhi regarding proper implementation of the Tiprasa Accord, the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT), an ally of the ruling BJP in Tripura, has renewed its demand for a separate statehood under Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution.

The demand comes ahead of the crucial Village Committee elections likely to be held in January next year.
IPFT, which first raised the demand for ‘Tipraland’ in 2009, held a massive rally at the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) headquarters in Khumulwng on Wednesday.

The party reiterated its longstanding call for carving a separate state out of the Sixth Schedule areas under TTAADC jurisdiction, citing threats to the identity and culture of the indigenous tribal population.
Speaking to the media, IPFT leader and Minister Shukla Charan Noatia emphasized the party’s commitment to its ideological demand. “The identity of the indigenous people is under threat. We are once again demanding the Government of India to take steps toward creating a separate state for the tribal population of Tripura,” said Noatia.

He added that the party had submitted memorandums to the Chief Minister, Governor, NEDA chairman, and even the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister on multiple occasions.

IPFT party also demanded the fulfillment of promises made during the first BJP-IPFT government in 2018. These include converting TTAADC into a Tripura Territorial Council with enhanced powers and seats, as well as the early passage of the 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill to strengthen the autonomy of tribal councils.

IPFT’s influence in state politics has waned in recent years, with its support base shrinking after the rise of TIPRA Motha. While IPFT secured seven MLAs in the 2018 assembly elections, it now has only one MLA in the 60-member assembly. In contrast, TIPRA Motha, with 13 MLAs, has gained prominence and is now part of the ruling alliance following a tripartite agreement earlier this year.

The rally underscores the IPFT’s efforts to revive its political relevance by focusing on its core demand for tribal rights and statehood.

IPFT’s rally comes amid talks being held with the Centre regarding implementation of the Tiprasa Accord that was signed in March 2024. Two rounds of talks have already taken place and have ended positively. The third round of talks will be held in January 2025.

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