Tipra Motha Chief Urges Unity Against Illegal Bangladeshi Immigration

Tipra Motha Chief Urges Unity Against Illegal Bangladeshi Immigration

Tipra Motha Founder Warns Against Illegal Bangladeshi Immigration 

In a strong and emotionally charged message to the people of Tripura, Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma has called for unity among all residents, tribal and non-tribal alike, to fight the growing threat of illegal immigration from Bangladesh.

Debbarma, the royal scion of Tripura and leader of one of the state’s most influential tribal parties, issued the statement in an audio message released on Friday, which was seen as a direct attempt to reach out to Tripura’s Bengali community, which forms nearly 70% of the state’s population.

“Bangladesh Was Never Our Friend”

Speaking candidly, Debbarma alleged that Bangladesh played a destabilizing role in the past, providing arms and training to insurgent groups in the 1980s, 90s, and early 2000s.

“Bangladesh was never our friend. In the 80s, 90s, early 2000s… our Tiprasa youths were invited and given arms, camps—by whom? Bangladesh,” Debbarma said in the recording.

He further alleged that the departure of Sheikh Hasina from power has emboldened anti-India sentiment across the border. According to him, illegal immigrants from Bangladesh are still entering India and settling in states like Tripura, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra, using forged Aadhaar cards to legalize their status.

Call for Unity Among Tribals and Non-Tribals

Debbarma made it clear that his stance was not against non-tribals, particularly Bengalis, but against illegal migrants who threaten India’s sovereignty and demographic balance.

“When I am speaking against illegal Bangladeshis, I am not speaking against you (non-tribals). I am speaking against those who enter India and try to weaken our country,” he explained.

He urged residents to look beyond personal or ethnic differences and stand united:

“This is not a fight for politics. This is the fight to save our next generation.”

This outreach marks a shift in Tipra Motha’s narrative, which has primarily focused on Greater Tipraland, a separate homeland demand for Tripura’s indigenous communities. By broadening the discourse to include security and national integrity, Debbarma appears to be aiming for greater statewide support.

Demands Election Commission Action in the Northeast

Earlier this week, Debbarma also raised concerns about the integrity of electoral rolls in the Northeast. Drawing attention to a survey conducted in Bihar, he urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to replicate a similar model in Tripura and other northeastern states.

The Bihar survey had reportedly revealed that many voters were illegal migrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar.

“I fail to understand why Bihar is important and the Northeast is not for ECI. Aren’t we also children of India?” Debbarma wrote on his official social media handle.

He said Tipra Motha would soon request a meeting with ECI officials in Delhi and that the party’s MLAs would write to the Commission demanding action.

The Tipra Motha leader’s remarks come amid growing national debate over illegal immigration and its impact on electoral politics, security, and regional demographics.

Political Implications in Tripura

Debbarma’s statement is expected to have a significant political impact in Tripura. His overture to non-tribal communities, especially Bengalis, could potentially reshape alliances ahead of future state and general elections.

Tripura has long been a politically sensitive state with ethnic fault lines, a border shared with Bangladesh, and a history of insurgency and demographic shifts.

Political observers believe that Debbarma is attempting to forge a broader coalition beyond tribal interests, possibly preparing for a pan-Tripura political movement centered on nationalism and anti-infiltration.