Agartala, August 23, 2025: After a gap of nine years, the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT) on Saturday organised a massive rally in Agartala to renew its long-standing demand for full statehood for areas under the Sixth Schedule.

The rally, coinciding with ADC Day observed on August 23, drew thousands of supporters despite heavy rains. The day is marked by IPFT as Tipraland Statehood Demand Day.

Founded in 2009 by the late NC Debbarma, IPFT has organised 17 such rallies so far, pressing for a separate state carved out of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).

Addressing the gathering, party leader and state minister Shukla Charan Noatia recalled the struggles and setbacks faced by the organisation.

“In 2016, our rally in Agartala was violently attacked by CPIM cadres. Many activists were injured. Today, after nine years, we are back here as part of the ruling coalition while CPIM sits in opposition. This massive turnout proves IPFT’s strength despite all attempts to weaken us,” Noatia said.

He further reminded that although the TTAADC was constituted in 1984 under former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the aspirations of indigenous communities remain unfulfilled.

“For 17 years, we have been consistent in our demand. This movement will continue until justice is achieved,” he asserted.

Expressing solidarity, National Federation of New States general secretary and Maharashtra-based advocate S. Sanyal termed the demand “legitimate” and urged broader recognition of indigenous people’s struggles.

IPFT leaders also paid tribute to founder NC Debbarma, while party president and former minister Prem Kumar Reang addressed the rally.

Once a formidable tribal political force and an ally of the BJP in the 2018 Assembly elections, IPFT has seen its base decline due to internal splits and the rise of Tipra Motha with its “Greater Tipraland” demand. In the 2023 elections, the party managed to retain only the Jolaibari seat.