Tripura Minister Calls for Deportation of Illegal Immigrants from Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Pakistan

On Thursday, Tripura Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma made a strong and controversial statement regarding illegal immigration during a public address. In line with the Central government's directive to take action against illegal immigrants across India, the minister urged Tripura to identify and deport individuals who have entered the state illegally from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Myanmar, including Rohingyas.

Debbarma, a senior leader of the TIPRA Motha party, which is an ally in the ruling government, made highly provocative remarks, emphasizing the urgency to remove all illegal immigrants. He stated that anyone who truly loves Tripura should act firmly against the influx of such individuals. Referring specifically to immigrants from Myanmar and Pakistan, he said they should be tied up and driven to the borders, namely the Akhaura and Sabroom Integrated Check Posts (ICPs), while being beaten on the way. “Don’t just let them go,” he said, suggesting that these people should be deported in a manner that leaves “their backs livid red,” implying severe physical punishment.

The minister’s rhetoric was not only aggressive but also sparked concerns over human rights and the tone of the government toward vulnerable groups such as the Rohingyas. His speech aligns with a rising trend in Indian politics that demands stricter measures on illegal immigration, often citing national security and economic pressure.

Debbarma also touched on the historical context of migration to Tripura. In an indirect reference to non-tribal populations who migrated to the state before 1971 during the Bangladesh Liberation War and due to Pakistani atrocities, he pointed out that they had arrived in extremely poor conditions, escaping torture and violence across the border. He reminded them not to forget their refugee roots and the struggle that brought them to Tripura, implying a contrast between genuine refugees and current-day illegal entrants.

Further elaborating on the consequences of continued illegal immigration, the minister warned of an impending demographic and economic crisis if the situation remains unaddressed. He raised pressing questions regarding the socio-economic conditions in the state, such as: “Why is there a job crisis? Why is there a price hike in the state? Why are land prices skyrocketing in Agartala?” According to Debbarma, these issues are directly connected to unchecked immigration, which has led to increased competition for limited resources, jobs, land, and government services.

His statements reflect a growing sentiment among some indigenous groups in Tripura, who fear being outnumbered and marginalized due to demographic changes brought on by long-term migration. The TIPRA Motha party has consistently advocated for the protection of indigenous rights, including greater autonomy and safeguarding the identity of tribal communities in the state.

While the Centre has been pushing states to take decisive action against illegal immigrants, Debbarma’s call for violent deportation methods marks a controversial and extreme interpretation of that directive. His remarks may spark political backlash and debates around migrant rights, tribal versus non-tribal dynamics, and the balance between national security and humanitarian obligations.