Tripura Civil Society launches 24-hour bandh over demands on ILP, Tiprasa Accord, and illegal migration

Tripura witnessed widespread disruptions on October 23 as the Tripura Civil Society launched a 24-hour state-wide bandh pressing for eight key demands, including the introduction of the Inner Line Permit (ILP), implementation of the Tiprasa Accord, and the identification and deportation of illegal Bangladeshi migrants.

 

Protesters blocked roads and staged demonstrations in Agartala and more than 45 other locations across the state. The group said the bandh would continue for 24 hours, with picketing at major junctions.

 

Speaking to India Today NE, Tipra Motha Party MLA Ranjit Debbarma, who is leading the agitation, said the Central Government’s directive to identify and deport illegal Bangladeshi migrants has not been implemented in Tripura.

 

“The Tripura Government has not taken any steps, unlike Assam, Haryana, or Delhi, which have acted against illegal Bangladeshis,” Debbarma said. “We are demanding that those living illegally in Tripura be identified and deported.”

 

Debbarma also criticised the delay in implementing the Tiprasa Accord, signed 18 months ago to safeguard the rights of indigenous communities. “It has been 18 months, and there is still no update on the implementation of the accord we signed with the Centre and the state government,” he added.

 

Another major demand of the civil society is the introduction of the Roman script for the Kokborok language. “We even raised the issue in the Tripura Assembly, but nothing has happened,” Debbarma said.

 

The protestors further called for the introduction of the ILP system in Tripura and urged the state government to forward a proposal to the Centre. The group also sought strict action against individuals allegedly using fake Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates.

 

With demonstrations taking place across multiple districts, transport and daily activities were affected as the bandh continued into the evening.