Raising concerns over illegal migration and its impact on Tripura, Tipra Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma has submitted a detailed memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking immediate measures to identify, detain and deport illegal migrants allegedly residing in the state.
In the six-page memorandum, Debbarma highlighted issues related to border security, demographic changes, citizenship laws and internal security, while urging the Centre to take what he described as strong and coordinated action to address the matter.
The legislator stated that Tripura shares an 856-kilometre international border with Bangladesh and has been facing challenges linked to illegal infiltration for decades. He alleged that many illegal migrants had managed to obtain Indian identity documents, including Aadhaar cards, voter identity cards, ration cards, PAN cards, driving licences and passports through fraudulent means, making detection and verification more difficult.
According to Debbarma, illegal migration has contributed to demographic changes in the state and created pressure on land, employment opportunities, education and healthcare services. He also expressed concern over alleged trans-border crimes and claimed that some infiltrators could be using Tripura as a transit route to reach other parts of the country.
The MLA informed the Union Home Minister that he has been actively campaigning on the issue through public meetings, awareness programmes, processions and representations to various authorities. He stated that he had earlier written to the Governor of Tripura, the Chief Minister, the Home Secretary, the Director General of Police, the Border Security Force (BSF), Assam Rifles, district magistrates and superintendents of police across the state, seeking intervention.
Debbarma expressed dissatisfaction over what he described as inadequate action despite repeated appeals and representations. He maintained that the issue requires urgent attention from both the state and central governments.
One of the key demands raised in the memorandum is the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Tripura. Debbarma argued that ILP would help regulate the entry of outsiders into the state and strengthen monitoring mechanisms to check illegal infiltration. He also called for the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, and effective enforcement of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019.
The MLA referred to communications received from the Ministry of Home Affairs, including acknowledgements from the office of the Union Home Minister and officials of the Foreigners Division. According to him, these communications indicated that the matter had been forwarded to the concerned authorities for examination and necessary action.
Debbarma also cited media reports and previous allegations regarding the presence of illegal voters in Tripura. He informed that he had approached the Election Commission of India and the Chief Electoral Officer of Tripura, requesting verification and appropriate action.
Welcoming reports about the formation of a high-powered committee to examine issues related to illegal migration, the MLA expressed hope that the Centre would take decisive measures to strengthen border management and safeguard the demographic and cultural interests of the state.
In his memorandum, Debbarma further requested an opportunity to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the latter’s proposed visit to Tripura on June 5. He said he wished to present supporting documents and discuss the implementation of NRC, ILP, SIR and CAA-related measures in the state.
The legislator maintained that such steps would help strengthen national security, protect India’s sovereignty and address long-standing concerns relating to illegal migration in Tripura.
