Agartala, Nov 11: Former TIPRA Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma has condemned alleged remarks by BJP MLA Tafajjal Hossain concerning the food habits and cultural identity of Tripura's indigenous communities, demanding an unconditional public apology from the legislator.
Reacting to the controversy surrounding comments allegedly made by the Boxanagar MLA at an election campaign meeting, Debbarma said such remarks went beyond political differences and touched upon the dignity, heritage and collective identity of the state's tribal population.
In a video message, the former royal scion said that although he had stepped away from active electoral politics, he would continue to raise his voice whenever the rights, identity and dignity of indigenous people were challenged.
He emphasised that food habits were deeply connected with a community's history, traditions and cultural practices, and no individual had the right to ridicule an entire community over its dietary preferences.
Drawing a parallel with the recent controversy involving social media content creator Amir Shokeen, who faced criticism and legal action over allegedly offensive remarks against people from Tripura and the Northeast, Debbarma said the latest incident raised serious concerns as the alleged comments had come from an elected public representative.
He also questioned whether such statements and attitudes would be acceptable within the legislator's own political party, arguing that public representatives should exercise restraint while making statements that could hurt the sentiments of a particular community.
Demanding accountability, Debbarma urged Hossain to apologise unconditionally to the people of Tripura for the alleged remarks against the food culture and traditions of indigenous communities.
He said elected representatives had a responsibility to uphold social harmony, promote mutual respect and recognise the cultural diversity of the state rather than make statements that could create divisions.
Debbarma also appealed to members of the tribal community not to remain silent when their identity, customs and cultural practices were ridiculed.
Protecting indigenous heritage and traditions required collective efforts, and people should speak out against attempts to undermine their cultural identity, he said.
Reiterating that questions of identity and self-respect could not be compromised, Debbarma called upon people across communities to stand together in defending Tripura's cultural diversity and heritage.
The controversy comes ahead of the November 27 urban local body elections in Tripura.
