Debbarma Accuses Bangladesh of Historical Interference, Calls for Border Vigilance
New Delhi, July 19
Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, the leader of Tipra Motha, made a passionate plea on Friday for all citizens, tribal and non-tribal, to unite in the fight against the increasing problem of illegal migration from Bangladesh in an effort to promote harmony among Tripura’s varied tribes.
In an audio message, Debbarma spoke directly to the people of Tripura, saying that Bangladesh “was never our friend.” He recalled how Tiprasa youth were allegedly provided weaponry and training camps with Bangladesh’s help in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s. He asserted, “Anti-India sentiments are once again rising there today, following Sheikh Hasina’s departure.”
Debbarma stated that he was not referring to any community in Tripura, especially the Bengalis, who comprise roughly 70% of the population:
“Those who illegally enter our borders and undermine our nation are the targets of my speech, not you non-tribals. Tiprasa cannot win this struggle by itself; we must unite and put aside our differences. This is about protecting the future of the next generation, not politics. In order to obtain Aadhaar cards, he also said that illegal migrants sometimes change their names. They then settle in Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra in addition to Tripura.
Debbarma has pushed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to follow the “Bihar model” of updating voter lists in the Northeast, tying the problem to voting integrity. He referenced a TV report that said that during a study in Bihar, the ECI had found illicit votes from Bangladesh and Myanmar.
On social media, he stated, “The Northeast, especially Tripura, should conduct the same kind of survey.” “Why does the Election Commission prioritize Bihar over the Northeast? Don’t we also have Indian ancestry? Debbarma urged people in the Northeast to encourage their regional parties to follow suit, adding that Tipra Motha MLAs would shortly send an official letter to the ECI asking for the survey.
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