Alarming: Tripura Land Concerns Mount as Allegations of Foreign Purchases Emerge

Tripura is facing a critical juncture as its land and demographic integrity come under intense scrutiny. Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barma, chief of the Tipra Motha party, has voiced profound Tripura land concerns, alleging that the state is “losing land inch by inch” due to purchases by Bangladeshi nationals. These claims have ignited a fervent debate, highlighting deep-seated anxieties about the future of indigenous communities and the state’s territorial sovereignty.

Growing Tripura Land Concerns: The Allegations

• Direct Evidence Claimed: Deb Barma recently stated he possesses documents proving a Bangladeshi national has purchased tribal land in Tripura, with the property subsequently mutated in their name. This specific claim underscores the gravity of the situation and suggests a potential breach in land ownership regulations.
• Political Implications: The Tipra Motha party, an ally of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in the state, finds itself in a complex political position. Deb Barma’s criticisms extend to both the Congress and certain individuals within the BJP, whom he accuses of prioritizing “short-term gains” over the state’s enduring territorial losses. This internal critique emphasizes the bipartisan nature of these Tripura land concerns.
• A Call for Electoral Roll Revision: Amidst these allegations, Deb Barma has advocated for a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Tripura. This call is particularly significant, coming after similar exercises in states like Bihar reportedly uncovered foreign nationals holding Indian identification documents. He alleges that the Election Commission’s inaction in this regard could “wipe out our next generation of opportunities.”
• Broader Context of Immigration: The issue of illegal immigration, particularly from Bangladesh, has been a long-standing point of contention in India’s northeastern states. Deb Barma questioned how individuals from Myanmar and Bangladesh are entering states like Bihar, which lack shared borders, underscoring the porous nature of border management and its far-reaching consequences across the country.

Historical Background of Tripura Land Concerns

Tripura shares an extensive 856-kilometer border with Bangladesh, a frontier that has historically been susceptible to demographic shifts. The influx of migrants, particularly during and after the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, has significantly altered the state’s population dynamics, leading to heightened Tripura land concerns among indigenous communities. Despite agreements like the 2015 Land Boundary Agreement, localized disputes and minor encroachments continue to fuel unrest.

Responses and Demands for Action

• Demand for a Task Force: Senior Tipra Motha Party leader Animesh Debbarma has urged the Prime Minister’s intervention, calling for a dedicated task force to detect, detain, and deport illegal immigrants in Tripura. He pointed out that while other states have taken swift action, Tripura has lagged.
• Mechanism for Detection: The party has proposed establishing a robust mechanism involving the Assam Rifles, CRPF, and state police to address the issue comprehensively. This suggests a multi-agency approach is deemed necessary to tackle the persistent problem.
• Threat of Coalition Exit: Earlier statements from Pradyot Kishore Debbarma have even hinted at the possibility of exiting the ruling coalition if the “Tiprasa accord,” signed last year, is not implemented. This accord is crucial for protecting the rights and land of the indigenous Tiprasa people, underscoring the deep Tripura land concerns driving political alliances.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: The Tipra Motha party has announced plans to launch a helpline number to facilitate the reporting of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, demonstrating a proactive approach to involve the public in addressing these critical issues.

Future Implications for Tripura’s Identity

The ongoing debate surrounding land ownership and alleged demographic changes carries profound implications for Tripura’s cultural and political landscape. For the indigenous communities, the protection of their ancestral lands is inextricably linked to their identity and survival. The allegations made by the Tipra Motha chief serve as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between regional development, immigration policies, and the safeguarding of local rights. As the state grapples with these complex challenges, ensuring transparent governance and effective border management will be paramount to addressing the deep-seated Tripura land concerns and fostering stability.