AGARTALA, Feb 8 (TIWN): GMP’s massive rally signaled BJP-IPFT’s loss of mass support. Communist Party of India (Marxist) led by its indigenous wing Gana Mukti Parishad (GMP) has organized a massive anti-CAA rally in Agartala in a peaceful march along with more 18 demands on Saturday. This huge rally once again has proven that CPI-M has not yet lost its grip in the indigenous vote banks and the regional parties and the IPFT have to do a lot of hardwork to overcome it. The rally was led by former CM Manik Sarkar and also indigenous leaders as ADC CEM Radha Charan Debbarma, GMP President Jitendra Choudhury and all indigenous leaders. Youths to senior citizens all were seen in the rally, participating peacefully. Earlier, the same rally was cancelled by CPI-M when state was undergoing violence during Anti-CAA rally of the regional parties. This mammoth procession was totally peaceful, organized and disciplined. ‘Double Ration’ for ADC, Filling up Vacant Posts, MGNREGA, inclusion of Kokborok in 8th schedule, scrap decision of ADC school shutdown raised in demands of the GMP.

On the background of the rally, GMP leaders explained the reason behind the protest.

Addressing media on Thursday at Melarmath Party Office, former Minister, former MP, GMP incumbent President Jitendra Choudhury said, “Gana Mukti Parishad (GMP) on December 14, 2019 decided to launch a statewide movement with 18 points of demands for tribal people and ADC development and it will start now. The matters of the protest were as Citizenship Amendment Act, the "dividing" rule of Modi which is also an attack on Northeast identity. Also our demand was for proper implementation of 6th Schedule of the Constitution which consists of provisions for the administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram, according to Article 244 of the Indian Constitution. In Tripura there was no 6th Schedule activate in but amid Centre’s negligence, under GMP and Left rule, our Govt attempted to implement it although 6th Schedule is not enough for ADC empowerment alone". 

"The funding issue is still not solved. GMP is striving for amendment of 6th schedule for a long and it was placed in Assembly in Left Govt rule and passed in the Assembly, but Centre did not accept that. I myself raised this issue in the Parliament for 7 times”.

“This is important to mention because the BJP and IPFT Govt which is ruling the state now, promised to form a modality committee. BJP promised to empower ADC and IPFT promised to formed Tipraland. NC Debbarma said that half-Tipraland is done and if BJP wins, then full Tipraland will be done, but after election high-powered-committee was formed but no solution came out. That committee failed to bring any draft yet. Indeed no egg was laid”, said Jitendra Choudhury.

“BJP now for second time in power at Centre. Now BJP based on majority changing everything in the constitution including 370 article for J&K but for Tripura ADC no immediate law was brought”, added Choudhury.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iG1ef1SCXo&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR0mnqgMGsVdt9xtuM3wtGCxF4Ek1NH2Bcop1SzCGlbeBbjQqFTbHtLb68g  TIWN YouTube Link, CPI-M's indigenous wing GMP's massive rally against CAA and other demands for ADC crowd-flooded Agartala city

The Communist leader further slammed the BJP-IPFT for malicious comments against GMP by accusing GMP for the less-power to ADC.

Jitendra Choudhury said that IPFT is the party which is working to hide BJP’s anti-Tribal face and actively working ahead of ADC Election.

GMP also demanded to add Kokborok in 8th schedule. MGNREGA and other issues also to remain in GMP’s 18 charter of demands.

GMP's gathering at Astabal stadium (Agartala)

The programme was conducted in Kokborok and the leaders also delivered speeches in Kokborok, which is the mothertongue Tripura’s indigenous people.

GMP's rally led by indigenous leaders, ex-CM Manik Sarkar