IPFT appreciates Centre’s move for new state reformation committee

Agartala: The Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT), which has been fighting for separate tribal state by elevating tribal areas autonomous district council (ADC), on Monday expressed satisfaction over constitution of New State Reformation Committee to examine the demand of new states in India.
IPFT officials here said the National Federation of Small States Demand Committee, including the members of IPFT, had met union Home Minister Rajnath Singh yesterday over the demand in New Delhi.
While accepting the argument of the committee in favour of creating new states re-aligning existing geography of the county, Singh asserted that the Centre is positive to the demand but without detail study by the experts, the government cannot do anything, said IPFT senior leader Mebar Kumar Jamatia, who attended the meeting.
He, however, stated that the Minister had advised them to discuss the issue with his deputy Kiran Rijiju in New Delhi and accordingly they met him today and had a detail discussion.
“Rajnath Singhji seems to be very cordial and compassionate to the demand of separate states for better development and socio-cultural harmony. The state reformation committee is constituted by the government to study the demand and to assess feasibility. They will forward their recommendation to the ministry for further action,” Jamatia stated.
Meanwhile, IPFT has held six hours demonstration at Agartala and submitted a memorandum to Governor Tathagata Roy today protesting the decision of Left ruled ADC administration to provide land to 10,000 non-tribal habitants in ADC area.
“The move is against the constitutional provisions and a clear attempt to cut down the rights of the tribals. According to the 6th schedule of the constitution, ADC is meant for tribals only and any other deviation will lead to further trouble in the state,” IPFT president N C Debbarma said.
Another tribal based opposition party Indigenous Nationalist Party of Twipra (INPT) will hold a march to the Secretariat on Tuesday to press for the demand of introducing inner line permit in ADC areas of Tripura and push off non-tribals settled in India after 1971. (UNI)