As Special Task Forces (STF) are being established across Tripura to detect, identify, and deport illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and Rohingya people, Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, who also serves as the home minister, said Sunday that some people are attempting to create confusion regarding this initiative. He stated that the purpose of these STFs is to investigate whether there has been any infiltration since 2014 or if there have been any recent cases of illegal immigration.
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Speaking to reporters after attending an event at Agartala, CM Saha said, “The Government of India will recognise those who came to India from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, etc, before December 2014 due to religious persecution, those who come after that will not be. Many people try to spread confusion over this. That is why the Tripura government and Police have formed task forces to find out if there is any such illegal infiltration or anyone who came after 2014, or if there are any recent cases of infiltration.”
His comments come shortly after a similar statement Saturday, where he announced that while an STF was formed at West Tripura district on July 15, identical task forces are being formed across all eight districts of the state to detect, identify and deport illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and Rohingya people.
CM Saha said that STFs are being established to combat illegal immigration along the 856 km-long Indo-Bangladesh border in Tripura. He also reassured the public that only a minimal number of illegal immigrants have entered Tripura so far.
The state government’s action follows a demand from Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, the leader of the ruling alliance partner TIPRA Motha, for strict measures against illegal immigrants. He has travelled to New Delhi, where he will lead a delegation of ministers, MLAs, and members of the Tripura Autonomous District Council (ADC) to meet with the Election Commission of India (ECI) on July 23.
In a post on X, he said, “My only answer to all those who continue to criticise us – at least we are trying to protect our next generation and looking beyond party politics. This is not just a fight of the TIPRA Motha Party, but every Indian. Please rise above party politics and unite against illegal migration.”
The Election Commission invitation came just days after Pradyot Kishore demanded the introduction of a Bihar-style Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Tripura and the entire Northeast. He alleged that in many areas, people were given Aadhaar cards illegally, taking advantage of corruption among government officials.
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Senior TIPRA Motha leader and Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma, who is also supposed to be a part of the delegation to meet the ECI, confirmed that the delegation comprising nine members headed by party founder Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma will meet the ECI next week. TIPRA Motha legislator Ranjit Debbarma said that though the BJP-ruled states like Assam and Gujarat had adopted strong steps against illegal immigrants, the Tripura government is yet to take a step on the issue.
