Hemanta Kumar Jamatia

Hemanta Kumar Jamatia is a Tripuri folk singer, songwriter, composer and politician. He is the member of CPI(M) and current Secretary of CPI(M) Teliamura committee. He is the recipient of Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1996).

Biography
Jamatia, already an accomplished folk musician by the age of 14, underwent a transformative journey at 26 when he decided to join the Tripura National Volunteer, a militant group. This marked a profound shift in his life, transitioning from the realm of folk music to an active role within an armed organization. His decision to take up arms was motivated by the ethnic clashes that unfolded during the tumultuous 1980s, a period characterized by widespread violence leading to the loss of hundreds of lives. Faced with the gravity of the situation and the complexities arising from ethnic conflicts, Jamatia felt compelled to join the armed struggle as a means of addressing and navigating the challenging circumstances of the time.

Later TNV got divided and was formed a new extremist organization in the name of All Tripura People’s Liberation Organisation(ATPLO) under the leadership of Hemanta Kumar Jamatia, Binanda Jamatia and Khagendra Jamatia.

However, a pivotal realization dawned on Jamatia in 1983, leading him to comprehend the futility of armed insurgency. At this juncture, he made the courageous decision to surrender, renouncing the path of armed rebellion and returning to a normal life. Subsequently, Jamatia redirected his focus, dedicating his efforts to the preservation and promotion of the folk music of the Tripuri people.