The state of Tripura was rocked by widespread disruptions on October 23 as the Tripura Civil Society launched a 24-hour state-wide bandh to press for eight key demands. Among the demands were the introduction of the Inner Line Permit (ILP), implementation of the Tiprasa Accord, and the identification and deportation of illegal Bangladeshi migrants.
Protesters took to the streets, blocking roads and staging demonstrations in Agartala and more than 45 other locations across the state. The civil society group stated that the bandh would continue for 24 hours, with picketing at major junctions to bring attention to their demands.
In an interview with India Today NE, Tipra Motha Party MLA Ranjit Debbarma, who is leading the agitation, criticized the Tripura Government for failing to implement the Central Government’s directive to identify and deport illegal Bangladeshi migrants in the state. Debbarma highlighted that other states like Assam, Haryana, and Delhi have taken action against illegal migrants, but Tripura has not followed suit.
Debbarma also voiced concerns over the delay in implementing the Tiprasa Accord, which was signed 18 months ago to protect the rights of indigenous communities in the region. He expressed frustration that despite the signing of the accord with both the Centre and the state government, there has been no progress in its implementation.
Another major demand of the civil society group is the introduction of the Roman script for the Kokborok language. Debbarma stated that despite raising the issue in the Tripura Assembly, no action has been taken on this front.
The protestors also called for the introduction of the ILP system in Tripura and urged the state government to forward a proposal to the Centre. Additionally, they demanded strict action against individuals using fake Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates.
As demonstrations continued across multiple districts, transportation and daily activities were severely affected by the bandh. The Tripura Civil Society vowed to continue their protests until their demands were met, highlighting the urgency of addressing the issues facing the state.
