Pradyot leaves for Delhi from hunger strike venue on Home Ministry’s call

As scheduled, Tipra-Motha’s supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma reached the much-hyped  ‘fast unto death’ agitation spot at Baramura (Hatoi Katar) hill ranges, demonstration spot for ‘fast unto death’ on National Highway-8, the lifeline of Tripura, demanding constitutional solutions to the tribals’ problems on Wednesday amidst thunderous applause , but Pradyot was cut short by a phone call that he said invited him to a meeting with the central government over his demands and rushed to New Delhi after the phone call.

While he rushed to New Delhi after the phone call, Pradyot said he would break his fast only after getting a written assurance from the central government.

Asked who called him from Delhi, Pradyot said it would not be proper to reveal names on a public stage but added that “officials of the central government” called him.

Pradyot had announced his fast to press for the party’s demands for ‘Greater Tipraland’ and direct central funding and greater power for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), among others. It was three days ago that Pradyot returned from New Delhi after an inconclusive meeting with the central government.

A large stage, resting sheds, makeshift washrooms and galleries were arranged for the fast at Baramura hills range and about 30,000 supporters from different tribal communities who almost jammed National Highway 8, Pradyot Kishore arrived at the protest venue at 11 AM and he performed a Kshatriya Puja  (Yagna) organised by the Khsatriya Samaj for welfare of his health and the tribal community before joining his party colleagues on stage.

After a 15 minutes speech, opposition leader Animesh Debbarma received a call and passed the phone to him. A phone call, a few nods, musing to himself after disconnecting the call and then came the big news, “I have to go to Delhi. Got a call”. Said Pradyot.

Then, Pradyot asked his supporters to return home but asked party leaders to stay back. He said the hunger strike was suspended but added that he would call it off by breaking the fast in Tripura if a positive written assurance came during his Delhi visit.

Later, speaking with media persons , Pradyot said  “What we are asking for is as per the Constitution. We want the government to fulfil the tribals' constitutional and land rights related issues.” He also urged all the political parties to join their agitation for the overall interest of the tribals.

 “I am ready to die for the cause of the tribals. My only target is to resolve the economic and constitutional problems of the tribals,” Pradyot said.

A large contingent of security forces was deployed at the demonstration site at Baramura and reports said that amidst the presence of a large contingent of security forces, leaders and some workers of Motha still camping at the fast unto death venue.