Agartala: TIPRA Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma, an ally of the ruling BJP in the Tripura government, has submitted a memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, raising serious concerns over illegal migration in the state. Debbarma requested a meeting with Shah during the latter’s scheduled visit to Tripura on June 5. He planned to present supporting documentation and discuss proposals for introducing the National Register of Citizens (NRC), Inner Line Permit (ILP), Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, and enforcing provisions under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
Key Demands in the Memorandum
The memorandum stated the urgency of implementing effective measures to detect, detain, and deport alleged illegal migrants residing in the state. It highlighted issues related to internal security, demographic shifts, border management, and citizenship-related laws, calling for immediate intervention. According to Debbarma, illegal infiltration has plagued Tripura for decades, largely due to its 856-kilometre international border with Bangladesh.
Fraudulent Documentation and Demographic Impact
Debbarma claimed that many illegal migrants have fraudulently acquired Indian identification documents such as Aadhaar cards, voter IDs, ration cards, PAN cards, driving licences, and passports, complicating efforts to identify them. The memorandum detailed the impact of illegal migration on Tripura’s demographic composition, citing disputes over land ownership, strain on employment opportunities, education and healthcare systems, and a rise in trans-border crimes. Debbarma expressed concern that some infiltrators might be using Tripura as a transitional route to migrate to other parts of India.
Previous Appeals and Lack of Action
He informed Amit Shah that he had previously raised these concerns in communications with the Governor of Tripura, along with formal appeals to the Chief Minister, Home Secretary, Director General of Police, Border Security Force authorities, Assam Rifles officials, district magistrates, and superintendents of police across the state. Expressing frustration over the lack of substantial action from state authorities despite repeated requests, Debbarma said it was imperative for both state and central governments to address the long-pending issue through coordinated efforts.
Specific Proposals
Debbarma demanded the introduction of the Inner Line Permit in Tripura, stating that such a mechanism would help regulate the entry of outsiders while strengthening surveillance to curb illegal infiltration. He also called for the implementation of the National Register of Citizens, Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, and robust enforcement of the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019.
High-Powered Committee Welcomed
Amid reports of a high-powered committee being formed by the Centre to examine issues surrounding illegal migration, Debbarma welcomed the development and expressed optimism about meaningful actions towards safeguarding border security and preserving Tripura’s cultural and demographic identity.
