Agartala, August 05, 2025: In the run-up to World Indigenous Day, Tipra Motha chairman and royal scion Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarman has urged Tripura’s indigenous communities to celebrate their cultural identity with pride and unity, while also raising a strong voice against the delay in conducting Village Council (VC) elections in the TTAADC areas.

In an audio message released by his media team, Debbarman called on tribal communities across the state to wear traditional attire, prepare indigenous dishes, and participate in collective observances on August 9. “This day belongs to us. On World Indigenous Day, let us come out in our traditional dress and proudly showcase our culture and heritage,” he said.

He encouraged people to celebrate by preparing and sharing indigenous delicacies such as Chakwi, Gudok, and Mosdeng at home, in educational institutions, or at workplaces. “This is the moment to stand tall and embrace our identity,” he added.

However, beyond the celebrations, the Tipra Motha chief expressed deep frustration over what he termed a denial of constitutional rights referring to the prolonged delay in holding VC elections in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).

“Our rights are being ignored. The State Election Commission has shown no initiative to conduct the elections, which is a direct violation of our constitutional provisions,” he said.

In response, Debbarman has called for a statewide “Homchang Rally” on the evening of August 9 — a peaceful mass mobilisation aimed at sending a strong message of unity, resistance, and the demand for political justice. “This rally is not only a celebration it is a protest. It is about our identity, our rights, and our future,” he declared.

World Indigenous Day, observed globally, celebrates the heritage, resilience, and rights of indigenous communities. This year, Tripura’s tribal population is gearing up to mark the day with both cultural pride and a renewed call for representation.