Tipra Motha MDC Hollywood Chakma Says All Communities in ADC Must Be Protected, Raises Questions Over Political Narratives on Land Rights Ahead of VC Polls
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, September 26, 2026
With the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) Village Committee elections approaching, the sensitive issue of land rights in ADC areas has once again come into sharp political focus. Tipra Motha MDC Hollywood Chakma, speaking at a party campaign meeting at Manu–Chhailengta, has stressed that any future decision concerning land and rights in the ADC must take into account the security, rights and interests of every community living in the area.
Chakma reportedly said that instead of creating fear or apprehension among Bengali residents, the actual provisions and implications of the land-rights issue should be placed clearly before the people.
His remarks come amid an increasingly intense political debate over the demand for greater land-related powers for the TTAADC and the possible implementation of commitments relating to indigenous land rights.
The issue has assumed particular significance ahead of the Village Committee elections. Recent political discussions have linked land rights with the implementation of the 2024 tripartite agreement involving the Centre, the Tripura government and Tipra Motha. Reports have also indicated that a framework concerning land rights in ADC areas has been under discussion.
According to Chakma, every community residing within the ADC must be treated with respect and their legitimate rights and security must be protected.
He reportedly argued that the land-rights question should not be presented in a manner that creates fear among Bengali brothers and sisters living in ADC areas.
His remarks are significant because political opponents have repeatedly raised concerns over what greater land powers for the ADC could mean for non-tribal residents.
At the same time, Tipra Motha leaders have maintained that the demand for land rights is primarily connected with protecting the land, identity and constitutional rights of indigenous communities.
The party's founder, Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, has recently continued to highlight land rights as a major issue in discussions surrounding the implementation of the tripartite agreement.
Hollywood Chakma reportedly alleged that considerable misinformation is being spread about land rights in the ADC.
According to him, the objective of Tipra Motha's land-rights demand is not to drive Bengali residents out of the ADC area. Rather, he said, the questions of land protection, land rights and constitutional safeguards need to be understood correctly.
He further stressed the need for a constructive discussion on the future of the ADC, rather than using the land issue to create divisions among different communities for political purposes.
The MDC's comments are particularly notable because the question of land rights has become one of the most politically sensitive issues surrounding the ADC. A recent report stated that a bill submitted by the TTAADC seeking expanded land rights had been returned by the Tripura government without approval, indicating that the legal and constitutional aspects of the issue remain unresolved.
Chakma's remarks have also triggered discussion about the evolution of Tipra Motha's political messaging.
The party and its leadership have historically raised the demand for Greater Tipraland, centred on constitutional safeguards, political rights and protection of the indigenous population.
However, with the Village Committee elections approaching, Chakma's emphasis on protecting the rights and security of all communities living within the ADC has become a significant part of the current political discourse.
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