TIPRA Motha Chief Threatens Legal Action Over Land Conversion

Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, the founder of the TIPRA Motha Party, announced plans to take legal action against the Tripura Government following allegations of unlawful land conversion in tribal areas. This statement was made on February 7, 2024, after Debbarma’s visit to Bishramganj in the Sepahijala district, where he met with local district officials to discuss the ongoing conversion of land within the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).

During the meeting, Debbarma was accompanied by Purna Chandra Jamatia, the Chief Executive Member of TTAADC, and former Chief Executive Officer CK Jamatia, among others. The discussions centered on a recent government notification proposing the conversion of parts of district council land into a Nagar Panchayat. Debbarma expressed significant concern over this move, claiming it violates the legal framework that protects tribal land rights.

Debbarma firmly stated, “The Government cannot create a Nagar Panchayat within the district council areas. They argue that holding Nagar Panchayat elections in these areas in 2024 legitimises the move, but that is illegal.” He highlighted that, while the government relies on historical records, the TIPRA Motha Party possesses detailed maps and documentation that define the boundaries of the district council, contradicting the government’s claims.

The TIPRA Motha leader characterized the government’s actions as a “forceful occupation” of tribal land. He maintained that elections cannot validate what he describes as an unlawful takeover. “I am not opposed to Nagar Panchayats as an administrative concept, but the Government cannot arbitrarily convert district council areas into Nagar Panchayats,” Debbarma added, emphasizing the need for a legal and consultative approach in decisions affecting tribal lands.

Local tribal leaders support Debbarma’s stance, viewing the situation in Bishramganj as part of a larger issue regarding land rights and the enforcement of the Sixth Schedule, which offers constitutional safeguards for tribal areas. They argue that any modification of district council land without adequate consultation and adherence to legal standards undermines tribal autonomy and constitutional protections.

Debbarma reiterated the legal prohibition against establishing a Nagar Panchayat within district council territories and reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding the rights of tribal communities. The expected legal challenge will likely test the balance between administrative authority and tribal self-governance in Tripura, raising significant questions about the future of tribal land rights in the region.