NEW DELHI: The
Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (
IPFT) is still standing firm on its demand for a separate state called
Tipraland, but it remains to be seen how ally
BJP will respond to the issue.
The IPFT, which has also asked for "respectable positions" in the state government, is a tribal outfit known for its hardline stance on Tipraland. Its supporters in Mandai and Takarjola want a separate state.
"We are hopeful we will get a separate state where our people will get government jobs," said Uday Riyang, a resident of Takarjola.
His father Vishalakhsi Riyang said, "The CPM has done nothing for us. Even when we visit Agartala, they treat us like we are a threat to them."
The influence of the IPFT in the hill areas exceeds that of the police.
When the group's protest for a separate state turned violent, nearly 100 people were injured and several vehicles torched.
A 24-hour-long blockade of the NH-8 and railway tracks was also observed in 2016.
The younger supporters of the IPFT are mostly unemployed.
Among them is 27-year-old Akhil.
"We do not work, but play carom," he says. He has no problem accepting that his wife, daughter and family depend on his father, who is a farmer.
IPFT supporters allegedly even loot farmers.
"If we do not provide, they will just come and loot," rues Arun, a local farmer.
The swearing-in of the new government in Tripura is likely to be held on March 8 at the Swami Vivekananada Maidan. Members of the IPFT are expected to hold portfolios in the ministry.
The BJP may soon have to face demands for Tipraland from its own ally.
Read this story in Bengali
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