Agartala, 14 May (HS): Tipra Motha legislator Ranjit Debbarma has urged the Central government, the Tripura state administration, and the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) to initiate a swift and focused drive to detect and deport illegal Bangladeshi immigrants allegedly living in various parts of the state.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, Debbarma raised concerns over the unchecked influx of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas, particularly in border regions such as Sonamura, Kamalpur, Kailashahar and Dharmanagar. He claimed that many of these individuals have encroached on government and forest lands and have managed to obtain Indian identity documents including Aadhaar, PAN, and ration cards. “They are not just settling here but are also gradually dispersing to other parts of the country,” he noted.

According to Debbarma, some of these undocumented settlers are enrolling their children in local madrasas, which he alleged could pose a threat in the current national security scenario, especially following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. “Their activities, particularly within tribal regions, may be linked to anti-national elements and should be treated as a grave security concern,” he cautioned.

The MLA criticised the silence of the state authorities and TTAADC over the matter, stating that a firm response- similar to measures undertaken in Delhi, Assam, and Gujarat, where illegal constructions were dismantled and arrests made- is the need of the hour.

Reaffirming his stand, Debbarma said he has previously appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and once again demanded prompt action to locate, detain, and expel all illegal immigrants from Tripura.--------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash