The Movement for Kokborok appealed to the people of indigenous people of Tripura not to celebrate the ‘Tring’ festival this year as a mark of protest against Citizenship (Amendment) Act.
‘Tring’ festival is celebrated every year as the new year of Borok people in Tripura.
Every year December 22 is observed as the ‘Tring’ festival.
‘Tiprasa’, the indigenous tribal people of the State ranging from elderly to teenagers mark the New Year at 12 am by lighting candles and bursting fire crackers.
Various indigenous dishes are also cooked and different cultural programmes are organized where Tripuri boys and girls wearing traditional dresses perform dances to mark the occasion.
The Movement for Kokborok, an organization which is struggling for the ‘Kokborok’ language appealed not to celebrate the ‘Tring’ festival this year.
Ruhidas Debbarma, the convenor of that organization, said people of Tripura would welcome new year but the colourful and joyful side of festival should be eliminated to protest against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.
He said the people should boycott all the cultural festivals associated with ‘Tring’.
Movement for Kokbork organization also appealed to the local artistes not to participate in any cultural program during Tring.
On the other hand, royal scion Pradyot Kishore Debbbarma said, this year he will not celebrate the Christmas and ‘Tring’ festival protesting CAA.
He said, “When people have been killed and atmosphere between communities divided. When laws are passed without taking our views into consideration, When the very idea of current democracy is no longer tenable I dont think I can be selfish and celebrate or participate in any celebration/festival this year – Be it Tring, Christmas or New Year. I will not be participating in any programmes as we are all in mourning and there is nothing to celebrate.”