Agartala: Tripura on Wednesday observed the 118th birth anniversary of its last king, Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya, with a series of events, with CM Manik Saha criticising the former Left Front govt for failing to adequately acknowledge the monarch’s contributions.Placing a floral wreath at Bir Bikram’s statue at Zero Point in Agartala, Saha alleged that the history and achievements of the royal era had been deliberately kept away from the people. He said the influence of the Manikya dynasty on Tripura’s history and development had not been adequately highlighted.“Under Maharaja Bir Bikram’s rule, there was a strong connection and harmony between tribal and non-tribal groups. His dream was one of unity, coexistence, and progress,” Saha said.He added that the Maharaja’s extensive foreign travels broadened his perspective and shaped his vision for modernising Tripura.At a separate event, descendant pf the royal family and TIPRA Motha chief, Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarman, renewed his call for stronger protection of land and constitutional rights for the indigenous people.Pradyot said merely remembering Bir Bikram was insufficient unless his vision for indigenous communities was put into practice. Recalling the land policies introduced by the king in 1940, he said the it helped to prevent tribal land from being taken over by non-indigenous people.The TIPRA chief further said secure land ownership was essential for the economic progress, social stability and long-term security of indigenous families.
