Tripura CM Breaks Silence as Tipra Motha, IPFT Slam Inaction on Illegal Immigration

His comments came after Tipra Motha, a key ally of the ruling BJP in the state, intensified pressure on the government.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Sunday addressed growing concerns raised by the Tipra Motha Party over the state government’s alleged inaction in identifying and deporting illegal immigrants. CM Saha assured that the government is actively working on the issue as per the law and has taken necessary steps wherever required.

Speaking to reporters, Saha said, “There’s no need to worry. All relevant information is available, and we are taking all necessary actions, including deportation, as required under the law.”

His comments came after Tipra Motha, a key ally of the ruling BJP in the state, intensified pressure on the government. Tipra Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma recently met Tripura Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu and expressed disappointment over the state government’s lack of visible action on the matter.

Ranjit Debbarma, who has written to the Chief Secretary, all District Magistrates (DMs), and Superintendents of Police (SPs), has been organising rallies to press for immediate implementation of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ (MHA) directive. He warned that Tipra Motha would launch a large-scale agitation if the government fails to take concrete action within 30 days.

Adding to the pressure, the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT), another member of the ruling coalition, echoed similar concerns during a press conference held on Sunday.

IPFT general secretary Swapna Debbarma, without directly naming Tipra Motha, said, “We do not support taking the law into our hands, but we have urged the state government to fully implement the MHA’s directive on identifying and deporting illegal immigrants.”

She called infiltration through Tripura a “cancer” and claimed that the state had turned into a gateway for infiltrators spreading across India. She also highlighted that illegal immigration has long been a reason for IPFT’s demand for a separate Tipraland.

However, she raised doubts about the clarity of the MHA’s order, particularly about the cut-off date to identify illegal immigrants. She questioned whether the government would follow the 1971 benchmark or the 2015 date under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

She further asked whether identified immigrants would be deported or kept in detention camps and voiced concern over the absence of mechanisms to prevent returnees from re-entering the state.

Meanwhile, the Joint Action Committee of Civil Society (JACCS), a prominent local NGO working for indigenous rights, also slammed the government for inaction.

JACCS Convenor Dr. Bijoy Debbarma said, “While many Indian states have taken bold steps after the MHA directive, Tripura has not shown any such initiative.”

He warned that the group might launch a strong movement if the state fails to act swiftly, adding that unchecked illegal immigration threatens not only the identity of indigenous people but also national security.

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