Agartala, July 5:
A group of indigenous youths, led by Tipra Motha leaders, began a long march from Agartala to New Delhi on Saturday to press the central government for urgent action against continued infiltration from Bangladesh and Myanmar, and to demand immediate implementation of the Tiprasa Accord—signed over a year ago but yet to be honoured.
The delegation, comprising members of Tipra Motha—an ally of the ruling BJP in Tripura—gathered at Agartala’s North Gate and commenced their nearly two-month journey on foot to the national capital. They aim to highlight what they describe as the “national threat” posed by unchecked illegal infiltration and the resulting demographic shift that has marginalized the indigenous population in their own homeland.
Speaking to reporters before the march, Tipra Motha Zonal Chairman David Murasing said, “Bangladeshi infiltration is not just a local or regional concern, it is a national issue. Unfortunately, the state government has failed to take proactive measures. Through this march, we are sending a clear message to the Centre—act now or the indigenous identity of Tripura will be lost forever.”
Murasing added that despite multiple deputations and protests in the past, there has been no tangible response from either the state or central government. “People are being deprived of their constitutional rights, displaced from their ancestral lands, and forced to struggle for their existence,” he said.
Another major concern driving the march is the delay in implementing the Tiprasa Accord, which was signed to address long-standing demands of the indigenous communities, including the call for a separate Greater Tipraland state. Tipra Motha leaders allege that the promises made in the accord remain unfulfilled, adding to the frustration of the tribal population.
The marchers are hopeful that this determined initiative will capture national attention and compel the central government to take concrete steps towards stopping illegal infiltration and fulfilling the commitments made under the Tiprasa Accord.
“We have become minorities in our own land,” Murasing said. “This march is our resort to reclaim our rights and identity.”
Before departing, the team met with Tipra Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, who expressed his moral support for their cause.
Debbarma, also the royal scion of Tripura, stated that the team is working to highlight issues concerning the indigenous population, and as someone who is also fighting for the same cause in his own way, it is his responsibility to stand by them.
