Agartala, May 29, 2026: Tripura MLA Ranjit Debbarma has written a detailed representation to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging the Centre to take early and effective measures to “detect, detain and deport” illegal migrants allegedly residing in and transiting through Tripura.
In his six-page letter dated May 29, Debbarma welcomed Shah’s proposed visit to Tripura on June 5 and described illegal immigration as a serious threat to India’s internal security, sovereignty and the demographic composition of the state. He claimed that Tripura’s long international border with Bangladesh has been used as a corridor by illegal migrants entering different parts of the country.
The MLA alleged that many illegal migrants have managed to obtain Indian identity documents, including Aadhaar cards, voter cards, ration cards, PAN cards, driving licences and passports through fraudulent means. He contended that this has made identification of illegal immigrants increasingly difficult, particularly because of cultural and physical similarities between residents of Tripura and people from across the border.
Debbarma further claimed that illegal immigration has contributed to land disputes, unemployment, economic challenges, educational and health-related pressures, and trans-border criminal activities. He also expressed concern over what he described as changes in the demographic structure of Tripura and the resulting impact on indigenous communities.
Highlighting his efforts on the issue, the legislator stated that he has conducted awareness programmes and submitted representations to the Governor, Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Border Security Force, Assam Rifles, district magistrates and superintendents of police. He attached references to multiple letters sent to state and central authorities since 2024.
The MLA also reiterated his demand for implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP), National Register of Citizens (NRC), Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and provisions under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019 in Tripura. He claimed that despite repeated communications and responses from officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs, effective action on the ground remained inadequate.
Referring to reports about the formation of a high-powered committee on illegal immigration, Debbarma welcomed the initiative and thanked the Union Home Minister for focusing on the issue. He requested an opportunity to personally meet Shah during his proposed visit to Tripura and present documents related to his concerns.
The letter concludes with an appeal to the Centre to strengthen measures against illegal immigration in order to safeguard Tripura’s interests as well as national security.
