‘On my Greater Tipraland demand, nowhere in accord is written it will not be met. I have not backed down, nor have they (Centre)’ : Pradyot Kishore

TheBJP-led Centre signed a tripartite agreement with the party-led Tripura government and the state’s main Opposition TIPRA Motha Saturday to address the TIPRA’s demands regarding a “constitutional solution” to the tribals’ problems. The accord brought an end to the fast-unto-death started by TIPRA founder and royal scion-turned-politician Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma from February 27 in the state.

In an interview with The Indian Express, Pradyot Kishore spoke on a range of issues related to the accord and his roadmap. Excerpts:

The Centre was aware of the issues I had raised many times. Even before the Assembly election, they had called us but there was nothing in writing and my insistence was that while I do respect the higher authorities, I wanted it in writing so that at least I could explain to my people that this is the way ahead. And finally the Government of India’s acknowledgment of the historical aspects… The Home Minister (Amit Shah) himself spoke about mistakes of the past and a roadmap to look ahead is something which could be comprehensive. So I am glad that this has happened.

My fast was to draw notice that if someone whose grandfather, whose grandmother being a King had merged the entire state with India, how come their grandson today is having to go on a hunger strike to bring attention to the people of the rest of India that there is a serious problem which needs to be addressed.

Land rights, political rights, economic rights, language which is very important and cultural and historical rectifications. A Committee is being formed, which is going to work under a time frame and will bring about all these legislative, economic and structural changes so that things can be smoothed out in this year and the