Vol. 10, Issue 2, Part C (2024)

Abstract
Under the surface of peaceful coexistence of the tribals and non-tribals in Tripura there exist resentment and conflict. Often the battle is sought to be fought out in the name of linguistic, ethnic and cultural differences suppressing the real issues. Demographic, economic, and educational imbalances are some of them. They erupt through passionate resurgence of ethno-linguistic identity by the tribals. The chaos is clandestinely orchestrated and utilized by the invisible stakeholders from both the sides to mobilize the mass for power. Election politics conceals their nefarious agenda. This article exposes some of these unseen forces showing that language-politics is actually the sophisticated guise for marginalization and exploitation of the populace by the vested group. The tug-of-war is therefore independent of any ethnic division; it is between the exploiters and exploited across the board. Ethno-nationalism is just a deceiving device for continuation of mass exploitation and deprivation. Raising atavistic slogans for restoring the lost supremacy of the tribals by ignoring the ground reality of today cannot ensure peace and harmony between the tribals and non-tribals staying together for centuries despite occasional jerks. Knowledge is the saviour.