Agartala, May 22: Riling the BJP alliance, Tipra Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma has welcomed the Union Home Ministry’s recent directive to identify and deport illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar within 30 days, calling it a “bold and necessary step” for safeguarding India’s internal security and sovereignty.
Addressing a press conference at the new MLA Hostel in Agartala on Thursday evening, Debbarma thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the May 19 order but simultaneously expressed doubts about the Tripura state government’s willingness to act on it.
Despite having repeatedly raised concerns over illegal immigration through official channels, Debbarma alleged that the state government has failed to initiate any effective action. “I had submitted detailed information, clearly pinpointing locations where Bangladeshi infiltrators are staying, but no steps have been taken to apprehend or deport them,” he said.
Citing recent actions by states such as Gujarat, Assam, Delhi, and Odisha, where local governments have begun identifying and deporting illegal migrants, the Tipra Motha legislator questioned why Tripura has remained inactive despite frequent arrests of infiltrators.
Debbarma also linked illegal immigration to national security, noting that during heightened tensions with Pakistan, infiltrators who had entered from Bangladesh were reportedly found supporting Pakistan. He also expressed concern over Bangladesh’s perceived lack of support for India during such crises.
The MLA revealed that in his latest letter to the Union Government, copies of which were also sent to Tripura’s Chief Minister, Governor, and Director General of Police, he had once again highlighted specific areas across the state where illegal immigrants are residing.
“We know Tripura is a key corridor for Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators. Yet, the state government remains silent. Why? Only those in power can answer,” Debbarma said, adding that the Tipra Motha is planning to launch an agitation to press for the implementation of the center’s directive.
He also announced that his party will organize a rally in South Tripura district on Friday to express gratitude to the Prime Minister and Home Minister while demanding immediate action from the state government.
Debbarma didn’t spare the security forces either, accusing the Border Security Force (BSF) and state police of negligence. “If our border and road security were strong, infiltrators wouldn’t be getting caught at railway stations and airports by other agencies,” he said.
The press conference has sparked a fresh wave of political pressure on the state government, as calls grow louder for immediate action against illegal immigration in Tripura.
