No written assurance from Centre yet, going ahead with hunger strike from Feb 28: Pradyot Debbarma

Tripura royal scion and TIPRA Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma today said that he would not accept any verbal assurance from the Government of India anymore concerning their demand for a ‘constitutional solution’ for the state’s indigenous population and that he needs written assurance or else he will go for fast-unto-death from February 28.

Debbarma rushed to New Delhi yesterday after he was called for talks with the Centre.

Speaking to media, after returning from Delhi today, Debbarma said,”I want an assurance from the Government of India. If it assures us, I have no problem but, I need everything in written. Verbal assurance will not work anymore. I will not mislead my people. Unless I receive a written assurance, I would never engage in politics keeping my people in the dark.”

“We have been waiting for the constitutional solution since last one year. It would be unfortunate if still the Government of India do not give any written assurance, and I will go for fast-unto-death from day after tomorrow,” he added.

Responding to those who described his move as a “drama” in the run-up to the Lok Sabha election, Debbarma said, “We have some selfish leaders. I have no idea what’s going through their minds and hearts. Pray to God to give them peace of mind and help them realize that I work for my people, not for myself. They should understand that I am fighting to secure my next generation,” said Pradyot Debbarma.

Yesterday, TIPRA Motha president Bijoy Kumar Hrangkhawl announced party’s plans to block National Highway 8, the lifeline of Tripura, and sit on fast unto death from February 28 to protest the central government’s alleged delay in implementing constitutional solutions for the state’s indigenous population.

Hrangkhawl emphasized the party’s frustration with the central government’s prolonged discussions, alleging a deliberate delay in addressing demands for Greater Tipraland and constitutional rights for indigenous people.

Regarding the hunger strike, Hrangkhawl stated that it could potentially escalate into a fast-unto-death or an indefinite strike, underscoring the seriousness of the party’s stance.

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