Tripura MLA writes to Shah, seeks panel to identify illegal B'deshis in state

Agartala: Expressing dissatisfaction with border control measures, TIPRA Motha legislator Ranjit Debbarma has sent a letter to Union home minister Amit Shah, requesting the establishment of a high-power committee to identify and remove illegal Bangladeshi nationals from Tripura.

According to Debbarma, numerous migrants from Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh have settled in remote areas of Tripura by illegally occupying govt forest land. These individuals have reportedly obtained various Indian identification documents through deceptive means, including voter ID cards, aadhaar, ration cards, PAN cards, and passports.

"Some are reportedly running petrol pumps, ration shops, or working as skilled laborers like masons and carpenters," Debbarma alleged and proposed the formation of a high-power committee comprising administrative secretary (home), secretary (home), district magistrates and collectors, and SPs.

Despite BSF deployment and strict border surveillance, Debbarma noted increased illegal crossings due to Bangladesh's internal issues. The state has arrested more than 156 Bangladeshi nationals and 14 Rohingya this year.

"The growing presence of unauthorized foreigners poses a grave threat to national security and sovereignty," Debbarma said, warning that increased infiltration into tribal regions under TTAADC, including Chawmanu, Gandacharra, Karbook, and Shilacharri, would impact demographics and create social issues.

His recommendations included establishing check posts and camps within Indian territory, staffed by TSR, Tripura Police, Assam Rifles, and CRPF personnel. Additionally, he suggested creating a Special Mobile Task Force and dedicated intelligence wing with local officers to prevent infiltration, identify forged documents, and prosecute facilitators, alongside deploying intelligence teams at transport hubs across the state.