Agartala, June 8 — Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Sunday addressed for the first time the growing concerns raised by the Tipra Motha Party regarding the state’s inaction on identifying and deporting illegal immigrants. Responding to mounting political and civil pressure, the CM asserted that the government is actively working on the matter as per legal norms.
“There’s no need to worry. All information regarding the matter is available, and whatever needs to be done, including deportation, is being carried out,” CM Saha told reporters.
The statement follows recent criticism by Tipra Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma, who met Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu and expressed dissatisfaction with the state’s approach. Debbarma, who has been leading public rallies and issued formal appeals to the Chief Secretary and all DMs and SPs, warned of launching a large-scale agitation if concrete steps aren’t taken within 30 days.
Adding to the pressure, the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT), a BJP ally, also voiced similar concerns. Without naming Tipra Motha, IPFT general secretary Swapna Debbarma stated in a press conference that illegal infiltration through Tripura is like a “cancer,” and urged the government to implement the Ministry of Home Affairs’ directive.
Debbarma also raised questions about ambiguity in the MHA guidelines, particularly the applicable cut-off year—1971 or 2015—and the fate of identified immigrants, whether they will be deported or detained.
Meanwhile, the Joint Action Committee of Civil Society (JACCS), a local NGO, criticized the government’s inaction and warned of launching a movement. Convenor Dr. Bijoy Debbarma said Tripura is lagging behind other states in acting on the MHA directive and warned of national security risks.
With pressure mounting from political allies and civil society, the government is under increased scrutiny to take concrete and timely action.
