For stopping revolt a Tripura leader added to Padma list

Agartala: The Bikram Bahadur Jamatia, which played a key role in promoting the local people’s ‘movement’ against the bloody insurgency that has gripped the northeastern state, is being honored with the Padma Shri award in the social work category.

Bikram Bahadur worked to build opinion among tribals against the second phase of insurgency in Tripura in the late 1990s.
As the Acra (head) of Jamiata Hoda, the apex socio-cultural-religious organization of the Jamatia, he defied threats to visit militancy-affected tribal areas and mobilize villagers against the insurgency. encouraging them to stand up and explaining that the fight had brought a virtual end.

Banned outfits – National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF) and other small insurgent groups had spread terror in the tribal areas of Tripura. The Center had to send troops to the northeastern state to deal with the insurgency and several police stations were brought under the Disturbed Areas Act.
The Jamatia, which has been promoting local faith, culture and heritage for decades, has also played the role of an ambassador against the alleged conversion of the hilly areas of the state.

The 86-year-old social reformer told PTI over telephone on Thursday, “I am shocked by the news that I have been selected for the Padma Shri award by the central government for the work that I have done so many times. have been presented to the society for decades.

Jamatia resides in his native village of Moharcherra, a village under Teliamura sub-division of Khowai district.
“I was not aware of my nomination. It was the District Magistrate (DM), Khowai, DK Chakama, who telephoned me on Wednesday night and informed me of the promotion. On his invitation, I joined the district on Thursday. Attended the Republic Day program organized by the administration as Chief Guest”, he said.

“This is a proud moment not only for me but also for the people of my state. I sincerely thank the central government for this initiative”, he said, adding that he is proud of the indigenous beliefs, culture and traditions of the state. Will continue to work for the protection of tradition.
The Jamatia is also considered to be instrumental in the adoption of customary law for indigenous tribes in the northeastern state.

Former minister NC Debbarma was also selected for this prestigious award posthumously this year for his contribution in the field of ‘public affairs’.

Chief Minister Manik Saha, Tribal Welfare Minister Rampada Jamatia and former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for selecting Bikram Bahadur Jamatia and NC Debbarma for this prestigious award.