Tripura's main opposition party TIPRA Motha chief Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barma has announced a fast-unto-death stir from Wednesday demanding a permanent constitutional solution to the problem of indigenous (Tiprasa) people.
Debbarma will be accompanied by party leaders, legislators and ordinary members in the fast in Tripura, a senior leader said. The agitation is set to kick off at Hatai Katar in West Tripura district.
TIPRA Motha Party Deb Barma has said he wants no political flags, not even Tipra Motha's flag to be put up during the hunger strike.
While speaking to ANI about his hunger strike, Deb Barma said, "I want no political flags, not even Tipra Motha's flag to be put up during our hunger strike. There will only be Tiprasa's emotions. This is my message to all our followers, to come to the strike as Tiprasa and not a politician or party worker. This is a fight for Tiprasa and not any political party."
The fast-unto-death stir comes a day after Debbarma, apparently upset over the delay in finding a solution to the problem of indigenous people.
The decision to launch a fast-unto-death was taken at an emergency meeting of the party in Agartala on Sunday, party president BK Hrangkhawl told reporters.
TIPRA president Hrangkhawl emphasised the citizens' right to stage peaceful demonstrations to safeguard their rights and expressed curiosity about the response from the Centre regarding their demand.
He said despite a year of discussions with the Centre and the state governments, no positive outcomes have been achieved.
BJP state president Rajib Bhattacharjee downplayed the significance of the agitation, stating that it poses no challenge to either the party or the government.
He highlighted the development initiatives under the double-engine government and expressed confidence in securing further success in the upcoming parliamentary elections.