Ranjit Debbarma renews appeal to safeguard indigenous rights in Sixth Schedule areas
The demand for ILP implementation in Tripura gained fresh momentum this week as Tipra Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma officially urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to introduce the Inner Line Permit system in the state’s Sixth Schedule areas. He emphasized that immediate implementation is crucial to protecting the tribal population from demographic threats and cultural erosion.
This appeal marks a significant development in Tripura’s long-standing push for indigenous rights and constitutional safeguards.
Why ILP Implementation in Tripura Is Urgent
Understanding ILP and Its Relevance
The Inner Line Permit (ILP) is a protective travel document established under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act, 1873. Currently, it is enforced in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur. It regulates the entry of non-locals to ensure the safety and autonomy of indigenous populations.
Tripura, despite similar socio-cultural dynamics, does not yet benefit from ILP protections. Ranjit Debbarma insists that this disparity must end. “ILP implementation in Tripura is not optional—it is essential,” he emphasized in his appeal to the Union Home Minister.
Constitutional Grounds for ILP in Sixth Schedule Areas
TTAADC and Tribal Rights
A large portion of Tripura is governed by the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This framework grants tribal regions administrative autonomy to preserve their identity and resources.
Debbarma points out that the ILP system complements these existing protections. Implementing ILP would prevent non-tribals from easily acquiring land and would help maintain demographic balance.
Political Ramifications of Delayed Action
Growing Rift Between Tipra Motha and BJP
The call for ILP implementation in Tripura also highlights cracks within the ruling alliance. Tipra Motha had entered into an understanding with the BJP in 2024 after assurances were made regarding the protection of tribal interests, including the 125th Constitutional Amendment.
However, the slow pace of action has caused rising dissatisfaction. Recently, TMP chairman Pradyot Kishore Debbarma met with Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu, warning of possible political consequences if promises remain unfulfilled.
“Time is running out. We cannot wait while our communities disappear,” said a TMP leader during a recent rally.
ILP Implementation in Tripura: Protecting Culture and Land
The Risk of Losing Identity
Tripura’s indigenous population has fallen below 30% due to decades of immigration, particularly from Bangladesh. As a result, tribal communities have lost vast tracts of ancestral land and face cultural assimilation pressures.
According to community advocates, ILP implementation in Tripura would:
- Stop unauthorized land sales to outsiders
- Restore tribal control over trade and governance
- Reduce migration-related stress on local infrastructure
- Protect linguistic and cultural traditions
“We are already becoming a minority in our own homeland. ILP is our last hope,” said Roshni Debbarma, a student leader from TTAADC.
Legal Pathways and the Role of the Center
What Can the Union Government Do?
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has the authority to implement ILP through either a Parliamentary amendment or an executive order. Debbarma’s letter includes legal references and historical agreements, including the 1993 Tripartite Accord and the more recent 2024 BJP-TMP Accord.
If the Center acts decisively, Tripura could become the fifth Northeastern state to receive ILP protection.
For the official ILP framework, visit the MHA website.
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The appeal for ILP implementation in Tripura, led by MLA Ranjit Debbarma, is not just a political move—it’s a lifeline for Tripura’s indigenous communities. As migration and land alienation continue to threaten tribal society, ILP stands out as a necessary and constitutional solution.