Tripura's tribal parties merge

By Subir Bhaumik in Calcutta

The merger of two tribal parties in the north-eastern Indian state of Tripura has revived hopes of peace in the state.

The Tribal National Volunteers (TNV), which fought a bloody guerrilla war between 1978 and 1988, has merged with the Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPTF).

The IPTF won last month's elections to Tripura's tribal area council, defeating the ruling communists.

It also has very strong links with the strongest rebel group in the state, the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT).

A formal ceremony to announce the merger between TNV and IPTF was held at the headquarters of the tribal council near the state capital, Agartala.

TNV chief Bijoy Hrangkhawl said the merger was aimed at creating a consolidated platform of tribal parties.

The TNV fought a bloody guerrilla war in Tripura against Indian security forces and Bengali settlers for 10 years until it reached an understanding with Delhi and surrendered.

Mr Hrangkhawl did not specify if his party was expecting any posts in the IPFT, following the merger.

He insisted the merger was unconditional and he would be happy with any position that was offered to him.

Significant merger

The TNV's merger with IPFT is significant, because it takes place at a time when Delhi is exploring the chances of a dialogue with the NLFT.

The NLFT is the state's strongest rebel group with about 500 guerillas on its rolls.

The IPFT is known to have close links with the NLFT and is known to support a dialogue between the rebels and the Indian government.

Observers say that the tribal parties are trying to come together on a common platform before the state's next assembly elections, so that they can put up a strong show and gain more clout.