An Appeal to the Government of India for the tribes in Tripura

Today, all our tribes in Tripura, am demanding elevation of Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) to Tipraland State. We have been launching movements peacefully and democratically in the State of Tripura.

My people do have faith in the Constitution of India and the power vested therein. My have become victims of being reduced to minority by the victim refugees of the erstwhile East Bengal or East Pakistan or presently Bangladesh due to partition of India in 1947 and Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971.  According to 1951 Census, the total population of Tripura without refugees was 375,303 ( by adding figure of Col.3 & 4 of the Table below) and the total refugees sheltered or settled down in Tripura within a period of 24 years from 1947 to 1971 was 609,998 (excluding growth after the refugees sheltered or settled). However, the figure itself was more than its natural population in Tripura. As per 2011 Census, the total population of Tripura is 36,72,000 & the growth was owing to historic partition of India forced Tripura to share its all resources and created an impact on socio-economic and political too. This is a demographic invasion against our tribes in Tripura which is resulting their gradual extinction. Perhaps,  no other tribes or race who have to encounter such demographic invasion in such short period that they face today. Therefore, we are the victims with cascading effects of the victim refugees of the partition of India in 1947 and Bangladesh Liberation War ending in 1971. This was the lone reason for the tribes in Tripura to become minority within less than 3(three) years from the date of Tripura merged with India on 15-10-1949. The influx of refugees from the year 1947 to 1951 was landmark demographic invasion against the tribes in Tripura resulted that they reduced to minority and it is taking place continuously even today. There is no other option or alternative before us but to demand for elevation of TTAADC to a full-fledged “Tipraland” statehood within the framework and under Article-3 of the Constitution of India for the fact that the population of our tribes will get reduced to insignificant percentage or to the state of extinction in the next two decade or so from now. Had there been no such enormous influx of refugees in the State of Tripura, the present demand for Tipraland State would in no way have arisen. Tripura merged with Indian Union for the safeguards of its people; especially the tribes who were majority before her merger. The  tribes will extinct gradually without safeguards under the Article-3 of the Constitution of India without the elevation of TTAADC to a full fledged State a right of self determination. Tripura acceded to Indian Union on 15-10-1949 for safeguards. This should be upheld by granting an elevation of  TTAADC to a full fledged State “Tipraland” under Article-3 of the Constitution.

Table

The Influx of Refugees in Tripura from 1947 to 1971

Years(s)	No. of refugees registered	Population of tribes	Population of Non-tribes	Total (Including Refugees)
1	2	3	4	5
1947-51	279,404 (42.68)***	237,953 *(63.40) & (36.34)**	137,350 *(36.60) &(20.96)**	654,707 (as per 1951 Census)
1952-58	190,000	360,070 *(53.53) & (31.53)**	312,531 *(47.47) & (27.37)**	11,42,005 (as per 1961 Census)
Sub-Total (A)	469,404 (41.10)***
1959-63	Registration of Refugees discontinued
1962-71 (B)	140,594	450,544 *(47.61) & (28.95)**	495,800 *(52.39) & (31.86)**	15,56,342 ( as per 1971 Census)
Total of (A)  & (B) of Col. 2	609,998 (39.19)***

N.B:- Figure in the parenthesis indicate percentage. * (one esterric) indicate percentage of of the population of tribes & non-tribes excluding the population of refugees and **(two esteric) indicate the percentage of population of the tribes and non-tribes including the population of the refugees.

Source:- Author Gayatri Bhattacharyya in her book titled “Refugee Rehabilitation and its Impact on Tripura’s Economy”, Omsons Publication, Guwahati, 1988, p.14.

1.2 The above information on refugees in Tripura since the Partition of India in 1947 and the first concluded Population Census in 1951 in the State clearly stated that the population of tribes was 63.40% excluding the population of the refugees from East Pakistan ( erstwhile East Bengal ) but they were 36.34% taking account of the refugee population.

1.3 The decadal (1951-61) percentage increase in tribes was 33.91% & non-tribes(excluding refugees) was 56.05%. The decadal increase in percentage in respect of non-tribes was highly alarming. Since decadal  percentage increase in respect of tribes was 33.91; it could not be more than this % increase in case of non-tribes too. The excess increase in percentage of non-tribes by 22.14 more than tribes was due to increase in the population of refugees by way of natural growth after they took refuge in Tripura or some more unaccounted refugees came from across the border which could not be ruled out. (Ref: Para 1.5)

1.4 It was almost as soon as Tripura merged with Indian dominion within less than 3(three) years; the population of tribes that was commanding majority had witnessed vigorous demographic invasion. The population of tribes without refugees would have been about 90%.  The household to household enumeration which could not be held due to remoteness and far flung areas in the State. There was a habit of frequent shifting amongst the tribes households from one place to the other. The demographic invasion that had been taking place since 1947 to 1971 and has been continuing thereafter too (Ref: Para 1.5).

1.5 Tripura has been experiencing illegal intrusions occurring even after cut off date 24^th March, 1971. The cases of illegal migration from Bangladesh has surfaced through a seminar paper on “Politics around illegal migration from Bangladesh: With special reference to Assam and Tripura”  submitted  by Shri Minal Kanti Deb and Dr. Arabindo Mahato in the National Seminar on Issues, Challenges & Development held on September 11-12, 2015; organized by Rajiv Gandhi University Research Scholars Forum in collaboration with Department of Political Science, RGU. The proceedings of the paper has been published by the Authors Press: ISBN 978-93-5207-161-6: Q-2A Hauz  Khas Enclave, New Delhi-1100016. The said seminar paper stated that a horrible statistics is being indicated in case of Tripura, the number of illegal migrants had managed to entered was 800,000 and 325,400 in 1998 and 2001 respectively. It proves the extent of corruption in regards to providing citizenship in this State of Tripura, while there was no witness of push-back in to Bangladesh. Therefore, there is uninterrupted flow of illegal migrants in the State.  The irony is; the illegal migrants are living in the State under the guise of language and cultural affinity and under the patronage of the political in power; which the Government of Tripura is definitely aware about it but is not paying any heed to it for the reasons best known to it. Therefore, illegal migration is continuing even after the cut off date (24-03-1971) as per Indira-Mujib Pact. We are certain that the numbers of such illegal migrants are yet to have an actual estimation in Tripura. The numbers would be more than what has been revealed in the seminar paper as submitted by those scholars. The amendment of the Citizenship Act is imminent by the both houses of Parliament. Perhaps; the Government of Tripura might come up with the estimated figures of illegal migrants after the amendment of the Citizenship Act; or they will be granted citizenships silently and without notice.

1.6 An all party meeting was organized by the Government of Tripura on the issues of the development of tribes in Tripura which was held on February 26, 1992. It was just a year after the population census 1991 concluded. The representative of the then opposition Communist Party of India(Marxist) in the Tripura Legislative Assembly submitted a written statement submitted in the said meeting. The points; inter-alia of the said submitted statement were  the population of tribes was 23% in the State; the illegal intruders should be confined in a camp and be deported; intrusion of illegal Bangladeshis in TTAADC areas should be prevented in order that the population of tribes was not reduced; and Inner line Permit should be introduced in TTAADC. It may kindly be noted that the  percentage of tribes in the State was concocted to be 28.5% in 1991 Census. In other words; the reality was that the matter concoction of determining the percentage of tribes surfaced to the opposition political party was a fact. The Government of Tripura could sense its implication. Although the actual percentage was 23; but to burry the issue; the percentage of tribes in 1991 census was settled at 28.5%. When the actual % tribes was 23% according to 1991 census; then we subsequent two more censuses in 2001 and 2011. Since the actual percentage of Tribes in Tripura was 23 in 1991; taking in to consideration of the said above estimated illegal migration in 1998 and 2001; of course, the trend of illegal migrants from Bangladesh continues even thereafter; the present % of the tribes population in Tripura should even be less than 17. 135,000 illegal voters in Tripura was detected by the Election Commission of India in 1994 but they had been enrolled in the Electoral Roll finally. Therefore, the tribes of Tripura were pushed towards another step to insignificant; their existence need to be safeguarded within the framework of the Constitution of India. Therefore, we demand elevation of TTAADC to Tipraland State under  Article-3 of the Constitution of India.

1.7 It is not difficult to perceive the percentage of the tribes will get reduced when illegal migrants are granted citizenship after the proposed amendment of the Citizenship Act.

1.8 In TTAADC, the percentage of the population of tribes is presently constituted at 84%. The Government of Tripura in association of TTAADC is giving land allotment to the non-tribes within TTAADC areas. The purpose is to reduce or bring down the percentage of tribes population for letting the Sixth Schedule lose its relevancy. The State is working out to achieve this goal. The achievement of this goal would imply that the tribes would lose the right to demand for safeguards under the Article-3 of the Constitution of India; because the population of the tribes in TTAADC will lose  majority by then. This is a wake up call for the Government of India to provide safeguards to the tribes in Tripura by granting Tipraland State. The centre of our focal point should be on development activities; but after extinction of these tribes; development activities should be for whom?  Therefore, the Government of India must grant constitutional safeguards to the tribes in Tripura from extinction by a way of elevation of the TTAADC to a full fledged State “Tipraland” under Article-3 of the Constitution of India. It should be done immediately.

    

IFPT's Demand is 'Power-land or Tipraland'

Mr. N . C Debbarma, President, Indigenous Nationalist Front of Tripura(IPFT) claimed to have been pioneer in demanding elevation of TTAADC to full fledged Tipraland State; has announced its candidate Mr. Mangal Debbarma  27-07-2016 for 13-Simna Takmakari DC by-election appealing the non-Leftist  parties to their candidate but did give emphasis or mention the demand for Tipraland was in their agenda in this by-election too. The President, IPFT said the non-Leftist parties should support their candidate in view of 2018. The by-election would be held on 23-08-2016. The Tripura Pradesh Trinamool Congress leader Mr. Sudip Roy Barman; in a hurriedly convened press conference stated that TMC supported IPFT's candidate( read as the IPFT did not push the demand for Tipraland was absent in this election). This was the opportunity to support IPFT for they(TMC) would be able to tell IPFT that in response to IPFT's call; the TMC supported thei(IPFT) candidate; in the General  Tripura Legislation Assembly-2018; the TMC would be able tell IPFT that they(IPFT) should extend support in return to TMC's support in 13-Simna Tamakari DC by-election-2016. Likewise, BJP has withdrawn their candidate from the fray in support of IPFT's candidature in anticipation of cropping IPFT's support and making alliance in 2018. One can conclude IPFT has dispensed itself in demanding Tipraland State from July-August, 2016. Now, the IPFT is eyeing on making entry in alliance with Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) or Trinamool Congress(TMC) or may be even with Indian National Congrss(INC). Let us await till 2017 for their action in view of the General  Tripura Legislation Assembly-2018. Their objective; is now not Tipraland State but it for 'Power-land' in the name of Tipraland.

Our Root is our Identity

C . R . Debbarma, B.a(Hons.), M.A(NEHU)

Former Lecturer in Economics,UCC (Meghalaya)

& Tripura Civil Service (Retired).

The identity of any race is determined when they are continuous holding dominion in an area of land having supremacy over it. The question of an identity of the tribe(s) or race as to whether the name of their tribe(s) or race is recorded in the page of history. Every tribe or race has a right to have their own identity. The establishment of distinct identity or sustainable identity is a process of formatting the unformatted tribe(s) or race preserving the uniqueness of their traditions, customs and cultures. I am expressing my personal opinion on how to arrive at race’s or tribe’s identity. For this reason, I have prevented myself consulting books which might have been written on the people facing identity crisis. The Nagas in North East India constituted 19 tribes and each tribe speak a uniquely separate dialect and not at all resembling to each other amongst the tribes. Yet their identity is the one and only called ‘Naga’. In Tripura too, there are 19 tribes and of them 9(nine) tribes are having understandability of one language, that is Kokborok. All 19 tribes in Tripura can be all under one umbrella and can be termed as Greater Tipra or Tripuri. The term ‘Tipra’ is unique and founded in history, while the term ‘Tripura’ or ‘Tripuri’ is sanskritized version of  the term ‘Tipra’. But it is recorded in the pages of history as ‘Tipra’ or ‘Tipperah’. According to me the right speling is ‘Tipra’ and term ‘Tipperah’ can be written but should be pronounce as ‘Tipra’ only. I do not possess second opinion on it. It should be noted that only in 1920 AD, the term ‘Tripura’ was approved by the British rulers in India and allowed to be used in place of Hill Tipperah. If old name of a city like Bombay and Madras  could be restored as Mumbai and Chennai respectively to be with native version or for restoration of the previous old name. It should also be applicable in case of Tripura State. Let Tripura be renamed as Tipra. This restoration of old name ‘Tipra’ will be meaningful.   

The present Tripura had 184 kings’ rule over her with Kokborok speaking race has been residing till date. Perhaps, there is no particular land area although occupied by a particular race; is also being resided by others too. But the race is having majority in population therein and the name of the State is identified according to the native language of the people who are majority. Even today, the kokborok speaking in their own language identify themselves as ‘Tipra’. Their first identity is ‘Tipra’ and then they are Tipra, Bru, Jamatia, Noatia and so on. To be more inclusive: all 19 tribes or communities in Tripura can be part of ‘Greater Tipra’. This inclusiveness will be all pervasive for us. They will continue have to be within ‘Greater Tipra’. Why does this so?  The term ‘Tipperah’ or Tipra’ is embedded its roots in history. They were rooted in history for more than the tenure of 184 kings’ rule in Tiperah of Tipra Kingdom. We can not uproot our connectivity with history and coin another word for our identity other than the term ‘Tipra’. When we turn to the page of history, there is no term like ‘Tripura’ or Tripuri. It is ‘Tipra’ or ‘Tipperah’ but not ‘Tripura’ or ‘Tripuri’. The name of our present ‘Tripura’ was Hill Tipperah; which was changed in to as ‘Tripura’ as I said. Accordingly; we got changed our identity by the name of ‘Tripura’ or ‘Tripuri’ by burying our own term of identity ‘Tipra’. The irony is – even today we introduce ourselves as ‘Tipra’ amongst ourselves. Yet when we introduce ourselves to other people other than Tipras, We introduce ourselves as Tripuri forgetting our own tongue in which we call ourselves ‘Tipra’. It is like somebody may call me by a different name other than my actual name given when I was born and I accept the name redunce my prior name and the new name is approved by some authority. This has delinked us from our actual being ‘Tipra’ which mens delinking from history. Therefore, now we are Tripuri to others and Tipra to ourselves. We should be known as ‘Tipra’ to the ourselves and to others as well. This has become unfortunate that we are unable to decide by which name of our race is to be known after 184 kings’ rule plus after 69 years of merger with Indian Union.   Kokborok is one of the principle languages of Tripura. The Tripuri should be Tipra or Tipperah. Today, the question is as to whether we want to leave our old identity like discarding a sackcloth to identify ourselves with newness by cutting off from the root of history. It does not happen to any other race like Tipra. The Tipras are always in pursuit of imitation to the roots of other communities which they feel better than of their own. We need to retrospect ourselves through our history that we do have. We ought to retrospect because history – (a) it helps us to understand the past; (b) it helps us to understand the present in relation to the past; (c) it gives identity and helps us to understand culture, society etc.; and (d) it helps us to be responsible citizen and improve our present.

The last king of Tripura who introduced reservation of 2060 square miles of land for Tripura, Jamatia, Reang, Noatia and Halam communities belonging to ‘Tipra’ did not spell out that they belong to Scheduled tribes. To introduce ourselves a Scheduled Tribes(ST) have become identical with the term ‘Tipra’ which is completely unacceptable as it does not denote with the term ‘Tipra’. Very often, we tell others with pride that we belong to Scheduled Tribes(STs); as if the category of status given as a recognition for gaining certain government benefits is our real identity in place of our real or apt identity should be ‘Tipra’. Since the time ST status has been conferred upon us by the strength of the Constitution of India; we take pride to be ST rather than being ‘Tipra’ or any other identity that is being nomenclature for others too. We have forgotten that we are Tipra and ST is the categorical status for us to gain opportunities is the posts and services (all kinds) Many of us understand that an ST means that they are Mongolians. The people of China, Japan, Korea, Thailand and etc. are Mongolians but they are not STs. Another side of the coin is that the Meena of Rajasthan belongs to ST category and are not Mongolian. Their identity is not as ST but they are Rajasthani. The Tipras have been enlisted and included in the list of ST category by the Government of india and they are more an ST than a ‘Tipra’. In Tripura, there are Scheduled Castes(SCs) who are of Bengali community. They do not introduce them that they are not Bengali and they are rather known as SCs. Their (these SCs) identity is Bengali. They do not utter and introduce that they are SCs or they are more Scs than Bengalis. First; they are Bengali, then they will belong to different categories (four categories) of castes.  By imitation, even an individual can not progress without a root in himself or herself. It is just like a person who is being spoon fed. It is exceptional to the case of a tribe or race. They can not have an identity of their own unless they upkeep their good practices of traditions, customs and social values. One social values of Tiprasa was to assist the poor families, especially poor woman with her small children living in a para. How does the people of the her out? The head of the Para ( in Kokborok known as ‘Kasko’ ) convened a meeting in his residence on a scheduled date in which at least one major member of each family is to attend it compulsorily and discussion is held as to how her thatched hut can be repaired of if it is needed to construct a new thatched hut again. As the case may be; after whether to repair or construct a new thatched hut has been decided;  the next stage is to schedule a date for collection of construction materials like wooden post for pillar, bamboos and thatch by all the members of the households of the Para in question. Once the materials are collected; the next stage is to schedule a date for an actual construct of a thatched house. Accordingly, the members of the community does take a social responsibility in taking care of a poor widow and his children. In the same manner and method, another step for economic assistance is organized for such poor widows by the ‘Kasko’ of each Para in Tipra society. Once upon a time all Tipra families’ source of economic activities was ‘Huk’ or Jhum or shifting cultivation. Therefore, an area of ‘huk’  was also arranged by the members of the Tipra societies for such poor widows with dependent children. There were a host of such practices that with the passage of time, the Tipras have stopped practicing due to imitation to others. We are about to lose all these things completely. Today, we talk about what is or what should be our identity! With elapse of about 100 years; we were known as Tipra but we want that we should be known as Tripuri (as it is officially known now ) or Borok . We want to be known as ‘Borok’ for we want to have affinity with Boro. Therefore, we want to be known as Borok, that is from the concept: we speak Kokborok and be known as Borok or we want to have affinity with Boros and so we are ‘Borok’. But just because we are officially branded as ‘Tripuri’ that’s the end. Is it we can not utter anything anymore for what we were historically recorded as ‘Tipra’ and even today we identify amongst ourselves as ‘Tipra’ everyday. So there is no scope to say that it may be historically recorded as Tipra but we should obliterate now. We can not but continue to identify ourselves as ‘Tipra’ or be ready to get sunk in to oblivious memory of the history hereafter.

We do have had our history. Many other tribes might have unrecorded history. In order to own a history, a race must have its territory. Without territory, a race can not its establish identity. Without territory – a race is no race. It is not a matter of meanness. A race may be small with its small territory. This was done with a purpose-to demolish or erase Tipra history in totality. But ask the any member of Tipprasa ( member of Tipra ) on the extent of their knowledge on their history. The Tipra people are such that they are being tutored of the distorted history sating that your kings did a little for your development in all respect. Therefore, the kings did not want to develop Tripura ( Hill Tipperah) for they feared that they (kings) might be ousted by his subjects; had the kings educated and make them economically grow? With this fairy tale the Tipras and other tribes are indoctrinated and made belied. They are so gullible that the cooked up story is believed to be true. The kings had a limitations that unlike the present Government of Tripura is facing financial hardships in spite of the fact that a sizeable quantum of funding is being done by the government of India in many flagship Schemes. The kings of Hill Tipperah ( presently Tripura ) with meager sources of revenues was running its show in their Sate. It is not unknown to the critics. But to tune the attention of the people in the State that they aired the acute deprivation of the people in order to deviate towards them.

In conclusion, we were known in the records of the history as ‘Tipra’ and we should continue to be known as Tipra and our identity should be ‘Tipra’ as even today, we introduce  or identify amongst ourselves as ‘Tipra’, so let us uphold both our history and glorify ourselves to the  present too as ‘Tipra’.

N.B:-This write was submitted for seminar on identity of us as organized by the MFK in collaboration with KoHM on 25-26 July, 2016 at Matangini – Pritilata Hall, Women’s College, Agartala. 

Our Root is our Identity

Our Root is our Identity

C . R . Debbarma, B.a(Hons.), M.A(NEHU)

Former Lecturer in Economics,UCC (Meghalaya)

& Tripura Civil Service (Retired).

The identity of any race is determined when they are continuous holding dominion in an area of land having supremacy over it. The question of an identity of the tribe(s) or race as to whether the name of their tribe(s) or race is recorded in the page of history. Every tribe or race has a right to have their own identity. The establishment of distinct identity or sustainable identity is a process of formatting the unformatted tribe(s) or race preserving the uniqueness of their traditions, customs and cultures. I am expressing my personal opinion on how to arrive at race’s or tribe’s identity. For this reason, I have prevented myself consulting books which might have been written on the people facing identity crisis. The Nagas in North East India constituted 19 tribes and each tribe speak a uniquely separate dialect and not at all resembling to each other amongst the tribes. Yet their identity is the one and only called ‘Naga’. In Tripura too, there are 19 tribes and of them 9(nine) tribes are having understandability of one language, that is Kokborok. All 19 tribes in Tripura can be all under one umbrella and can be termed as Greater Tipra or Tripuri. The term ‘Tipra’ is unique and founded in history, while the term ‘Tripura’ or ‘Tripuri’ is sanskritized version of  the term ‘Tipra’. But it is recorded in the pages of history as ‘Tipra’ or ‘Tipperah’. According to me the right speling is ‘Tipra’ and term ‘Tipperah’ can be written but should be pronounce as ‘Tipra’ only. I do not possess second opinion on it. It should be noted that only in 1920 AD, the term ‘Tripura’ was approved by the British rulers in India and allowed to be used in place of Hill Tipperah. If old name of a city like Bombay and Madras  could be restored as Mumbai and Chennai respectively to be with native version or for restoration of the previous old name. It should also be applicable in case of Tripura State. Let Tripura be renamed as Tipra. This restoration of old name ‘Tipra’ will be meaningful.   

The present Tripura had 184 kings’ rule over her with Kokborok speaking race has been residing till date. Perhaps, there is no particular land area although occupied by a particular race; is also being resided by others too. But the race is having majority in population therein and the name of the State is identified according to the native language of the people who are majority. Even today, the kokborok speaking in their own language identify themselves as ‘Tipra’. Their first identity is ‘Tipra’ and then they are Tipra, Bru, Jamatia, Noatia and so on. To be more inclusive: all 19 tribes or communities in Tripura can be part of ‘Greater Tipra’. This inclusiveness will be all pervasive for us. They will continue have to be within ‘Greater Tipra’. Why does this so?  The term ‘Tipperah’ or Tipra’ is embedded its roots in history. They were rooted in history for more than the tenure of 184 kings’ rule in Tiperah of Tipra Kingdom. We can not uproot our connectivity with history and coin another word for our identity other than the term ‘Tipra’. When we turn to the page of history, there is no term like ‘Tripura’ or Tripuri. It is ‘Tipra’ or ‘Tipperah’ but not ‘Tripura’ or ‘Tripuri’. The name of our present ‘Tripura’ was Hill Tipperah; which was changed in to as ‘Tripura’ as I said. Accordingly; we got changed our identity by the name of ‘Tripura’ or ‘Tripuri’ by burying our own term of identity ‘Tipra’. The irony is – even today we introduce ourselves as ‘Tipra’ amongst ourselves. Yet when we introduce ourselves to other people other than Tipras, We introduce ourselves as Tripuri forgetting our own tongue in which we call ourselves ‘Tipra’. It is like somebody may call me by a different name other than my actual name given when I was born and I accept the name redunce my prior name and the new name is approved by some authority. This has delinked us from our actual being ‘Tipra’ which mens delinking from history. Therefore, now we are Tripuri to others and Tipra to ourselves. We should be known as ‘Tipra’ to the ourselves and to others as well. This has become unfortunate that we are unable to decide by which name of our race is to be known after 184 kings’ rule plus after 69 years of merger with Indian Union.   Kokborok is one of the principle languages of Tripura. The Tripuri should be Tipra or Tipperah. Today, the question is as to whether we want to leave our old identity like discarding a sackcloth to identify ourselves with newness by cutting off from the root of history. It does not happen to any other race like Tipra. The Tipras are always in pursuit of imitation to the roots of other communities which they feel better than of their own. We need to retrospect ourselves through our history that we do have. We ought to retrospect because history – (a) it helps us to understand the past; (b) it helps us to understand the present in relation to the past; (c) it gives identity and helps us to understand culture, society etc.; and (d) it helps us to be responsible citizen and improve our present.

The last king of Tripura who introduced reservation of 2060 square miles of land for Tripura, Jamatia, Reang, Noatia and Halam communities belonging to ‘Tipra’ did not spell out that they belong to Scheduled tribes. To introduce ourselves a Scheduled Tribes(ST) have become identical with the term ‘Tipra’ which is completely unacceptable as it does not denote with the term ‘Tipra’. Very often, we tell others with pride that we belong to Scheduled Tribes(STs); as if the category of status given as a recognition for gaining certain government benefits is our real identity in place of our real or apt identity should be ‘Tipra’. Since the time ST status has been conferred upon us by the strength of the Constitution of India; we take pride to be ST rather than being ‘Tipra’ or any other identity that is being nomenclature for others too. We have forgotten that we are Tipra and ST is the categorical status for us to gain opportunities is the posts and services (all kinds) Many of us understand that an ST means that they are Mongolians. The people of China, Japan, Korea, Thailand and etc. are Mongolians but they are not STs. Another side of the coin is that the Meena of Rajasthan belongs to ST category and are not Mongolian. Their identity is not as ST but they are Rajasthani. The Tipras have been enlisted and included in the list of ST category by the Government of india and they are more an ST than a ‘Tipra’. In Tripura, there are Scheduled Castes(SCs) who are of Bengali community. They do not introduce them that they are not Bengali and they are rather known as SCs. Their (these SCs) identity is Bengali. They do not utter and introduce that they are SCs or they are more Scs than Bengalis. First; they are Bengali, then they will belong to different categories (four categories) of castes.  By imitation, even an individual can not progress without a root in himself or herself. It is just like a person who is being spoon fed. It is exceptional to the case of a tribe or race. They can not have an identity of their own unless they upkeep their good practices of traditions, customs and social values. One social values of Tiprasa was to assist the poor families, especially poor woman with her small children living in a para. How does the people of the her out? The head of the Para ( in Kokborok known as ‘Kasko’ ) convened a meeting in his residence on a scheduled date in which at least one major member of each family is to attend it compulsorily and discussion is held as to how her thatched hut can be repaired of if it is needed to construct a new thatched hut again. As the case may be; after whether to repair or construct a new thatched hut has been decided;  the next stage is to schedule a date for collection of construction materials like wooden post for pillar, bamboos and thatch by all the members of the households of the Para in question. Once the materials are collected; the next stage is to schedule a date for an actual construct of a thatched house. Accordingly, the members of the community does take a social responsibility in taking care of a poor widow and his children. In the same manner and method, another step for economic assistance is organized for such poor widows by the ‘Kasko’ of each Para in Tipra society. Once upon a time all Tipra families’ source of economic activities was ‘Huk’ or Jhum or shifting cultivation. Therefore, an area of ‘huk’  was also arranged by the members of the Tipra societies for such poor widows with dependent children. There were a host of such practices that with the passage of time, the Tipras have stopped practicing due to imitation to others. We are about to lose all these things completely. Today, we talk about what is or what should be our identity! With elapse of about 100 years; we were known as Tipra but we want that we should be known as Tripuri (as it is officially known now ) or Borok . We want to be known as ‘Borok’ for we want to have affinity with Boro. Therefore, we want to be known as Borok, that is from the concept: we speak Kokborok and be known as Borok or we want to have affinity with Boros and so we are ‘Borok’. But just because we are officially branded as ‘Tripuri’ that’s the end. Is it we can not utter anything anymore for what we were historically recorded as ‘Tipra’ and even today we identify amongst ourselves as ‘Tipra’ everyday. So there is no scope to say that it may be historically recorded as Tipra but we should obliterate now. We can not but continue to identify ourselves as ‘Tipra’ or be ready to get sunk in to oblivious memory of the history hereafter.

We do have had our history. Many other tribes might have unrecorded history. In order to own a history, a race must have its territory. Without territory, a race can not its establish identity. Without territory – a race is no race. It is not a matter of meanness. A race may be small with its small territory. This was done with a purpose-to demolish or erase Tipra history in totality. But ask the any member of Tipprasa ( member of Tipra ) on the extent of their knowledge on their history. The Tipra people are such that they are being tutored of the distorted history sating that your kings did a little for your development in all respect. Therefore, the kings did not want to develop Tripura ( Hill Tipperah) for they feared that they (kings) might be ousted by his subjects; had the kings educated and make them economically grow? With this fairy tale the Tipras and other tribes are indoctrinated and made belied. They are so gullible that the cooked up story is believed to be true. The kings had a limitations that unlike the present Government of Tripura is facing financial hardships in spite of the fact that a sizeable quantum of funding is being done by the government of India in many flagship Schemes. The kings of Hill Tipperah ( presently Tripura ) with merger sources of revenues was running its show in their Sate. It is not unknown to the critics. But to tune the attention of the people in the State that they aired the acute deprivation of the people in order to deviate towards them.

In conclusion, we were known in the records of the history as ‘Tipra’ and we should continue to be known as Tipra and our identity should be ‘Tipra’ as even today, we introduce  or identify amongst ourselves as ‘Tipra’, so let us uphold both our history and glorify ourselves to the  present too as ‘Tipra’.

N.B:-This write was submitted for seminar on identity of us as organized by the MFK in collaboration with KoHM on 25-26 July, 2016 at Matangini – Pritilata Hall, Women’s College, Agartala. 

Thanks

I thank all my readers for taking time to read my articles so posted till date. It is my privilege to jot something informing and up-dating the present scenario of my people to home I belong.

Ideology

Ideology means to follow a particular idea that one will do in his or her life. It is an impersonal element in it.. An ideology is to serve humanity as service is an impersonal element. An ideology is an mirror reflecting oneself. Each one should possess an ideology as human life is ideological stream that flow. It can be given recognition and followed. the devoid of ideology in one's life is in emptiness. The powers from from Almighty God; as to whether mental; spiritual and physical. The Almighty God grants the powers to those who work for the welfare of others. Accordingly; courage comes to power. The power and courage go together hand in hand. A person or an individual with no power is a coward. Two things are required to establish yourself in ideology: (One) Courage; and (two) Power. In order to be powerful; one needs ideology and personality for attaining these; one needs the `Divine Guidance'. The ideology and personality are equally important and an ideology is remembered through one's personality. If one does not possess personality; one does not have courage. One should establish personality in order to be an ideologist. The aspirant has to remove his ego and become extrovert.  

Stupidity in Decision

"Prevent extinction of a race or tribe(s) from the face of the World. Let nations come forward for saving them"  is my opinion today. But in this regard, the spirit of the cause of extinction of them may be founded in the writing of  Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) "On Stupidity" - Letters and Papers from Prison and I quote

"Stupidity is more dangerous enemy of the good than malice. One may protest against evil; it can be exposed and, if need be, prevented by use of force.
Evil always carries within itself the germ of subversion in that it leaves behind in human beings at least a sense of unease. Against stupidity we are defenseless.
Neither protest nor u se of force accomplish anything here; reasons fall on deaf ears; facts that contradict one's prejudgment simply need not be believed - in such moment the stupid person becomes critical - and when facts are irrefutable they are just push aside as inconsequential, as incidental. In all this the stupid person, in contrast to the malicious one, is utterly self satisfied and, being easily irritated, becomes dangerous by going on  the attack. For that reason, greater caution is called for when dealing with a stupid person that with a malicious one. Never again will we try to persuade the stupid person with reasons, for it is senseless and dangerous."