Tipra Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma has called for immediate action to identify and deport illegal Bangladeshi nationals residing in Tripura. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, May 14, Debbarma urged the central government, the state administration, and the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) to jointly launch “Operation Detect and Deport” in mission mode. He warned that unchecked illegal migration threatens the demographic and cultural integrity of the state, particularly in tribal areas.
Debbarma, who represents the tribal-majority Ramchandraghat constituency, expressed grave concern over what he described as the steady influx of undocumented individuals from across the Indo-Bangladesh border. He alleged that the illegal settlement of foreigners has reached alarming levels in several parts of the state, impacting the rights, resources, and political voice of indigenous communities.
He emphasized that the time for discussion had passed and that decisive action was now required to protect the future of Tripura’s native populations. Debbarma urged immediate border verification, biometric documentation, and coordination with law enforcement agencies to ensure the identification and deportation process is conducted without delay.
The MLA called upon both the Union Home Ministry and Tripura’s Bharatiya Janata Party-led government to treat the issue with the urgency it deserves. He highlighted that the problem not only compromises national security but also undermines the socio-political fabric of the state. He pointed to several recent incidents involving cross-border smuggling and the use of false documentation by suspects, suggesting that this is part of a larger pattern requiring a comprehensive response.
Debbarma urged the central government to deploy additional security forces along the international border and to consider enhancing surveillance infrastructure, including drones and smart fencing technology. He also appealed for the complete digitization of land records in tribal belts to prevent illegal encroachment and unauthorized settlements.
According to Debbarma, the TTAADC should be empowered with legal and administrative tools to monitor unauthorized migration in autonomous areas. He proposed that special village-level task forces be formed under the council’s jurisdiction to support local monitoring efforts. These teams, he suggested, could work in tandem with the police and Border Security Force to gather intelligence and submit reports on suspicious activities in border villages.
Reacting to Debbarma’s comments, several regional leaders expressed solidarity with his stance. Members of the Indigenous Progressive Regional Alliance (TIPRA) and civil society groups echoed the demand for stricter border management and immediate measures to deport those staying in the state illegally.
Citizens from various tribal hamlets have also voiced concerns over land disputes and demographic shifts, claiming that unauthorized settlements have increased pressure on local resources. Several community elders in the Dhalai and Khowai districts noted that traditional village systems are under strain due to new inhabitants with unclear legal status.
Meanwhile, the Tripura Police stated that the department remains vigilant and continues to work closely with border forces to prevent infiltration and maintain law and order. A senior officer confirmed that cases of illegal entry and document fraud have been registered in recent months, and deportation procedures were initiated where evidence permitted.
Political analysts say Debbarma’s strong pitch for a structured detection and deportation mechanism could gain traction among tribal voters, especially in the lead-up to upcoming local body elections. They believe the issue of illegal migration remains a sensitive and polarizing topic in Tripura politics, often driving voter sentiment in border-adjacent constituencies.
While the state government has yet to issue an official response to Debbarma’s demand, insiders suggest that the matter may soon be raised at the next meeting between the TTAADC and the state home department. With the Centre’s recent emphasis on national security and internal stability, the push for a targeted anti-infiltration campaign may gather more political and administrative support in the days ahead.
