Agartala, October 11, 2025: The Tripura Civil Society has declared a 24-hour statewide bandh on October 23, demanding immediate government action on issues such as illegal migration, implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP), and the long-pending Tripartite Tiprasa Accord.

The announcement came from MLA Ranjit Debbarma during a press conference held at the MLA Hostel Conference Hall, attended by civil society representatives including former TPF Vice President Chitta Debbarma, ex-council members, and other community leaders.

Initially planned for October 13 as a 12-hour bandh, the protest was rescheduled to October 23 following appeals from intellectuals and members of the public to avoid disruptions ahead of Kali Puja celebrations.

Debbarma stated that the bandh reflects growing resentment over the government’s inaction on key issues affecting the Indigenous Tiprasa population. He criticized the delay in implementing the Tiprasa Accord, signed in New Delhi 18 months ago, saying the inaction continues to deprive Tiprasas of their political, land, and cultural rights.

Expressing concern over unchecked infiltration, Debbarma noted that Tripura has yet to establish detention camps, as directed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, unlike neighbouring Assam. Civil society leaders also slammed the Special Task Force (STF) for being “ineffective” due to inadequate infrastructure, poor communication systems, and weak coordination with central security agencies like the BSF and Assam Rifles.

The eight-point charter of demands includes: Detection and deportation of illegal migrants; Introduction of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Tripura; Implementation of the Tiprasa Accord; Recognition of the Roman script for Kokborok; Cancellation of fake SC/ST certificates; Fulfilment of promises made to ATTF and NLFT returnees; Strengthening border management; and Protection of Tiprasa identity and rights.

Debbarma clarified that essential services such as fire and ambulance operations will remain unaffected during the bandh. Urging mass participation, he said the movement marks the start of a new phase of activism, remarking that “the agricultural season has ended, and now the season of movements has begun.”