Tripura, February 21: Member of District Council (MDC) of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), Uma Sankar Debbarma, has formally raised objection to the proposed establishment of a 49 Battalion Border Security Force (BSF) camp in the Sixth Schedule areas of Sepahijala district.
In a written representation submitted to the District Magistrate and Collector of Sepahijala, Debbarma expressed concern that the proposed site falls within Indigenous community land under the Sixth Schedule. According to the letter, the land belongs to local village committees, including Chikan Chhara and Amtali, and has been traditionally owned and used by Indigenous people for generations.
Debbarma highlighted that such land holds not only economic value but also cultural and social significance for Indigenous communities. He stated that setting up a BSF camp on traditionally owned land could adversely impact the livelihood, identity, and socio-economic development of the Indigenous population.
Citing the provisions of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (RFCTLARR Act), he emphasized that land acquisition in Scheduled areas should be avoided as far as possible and undertaken only as a last resort. He further noted that special safeguards exist to protect the rights of Scheduled Tribes in such areas.
The MDC also referred to international frameworks, particularly the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). He pointed out that Articles 26 and 30 of UNDRIP recognize the rights of Indigenous people over their lands, territories, and resources, and stipulate that military activities should not take place in Indigenous territories without prior consultation and consent.
Debbarma urged the district administration to ensure that the constitutional and legal rights of Indigenous communities are respected and safeguarded. He called for proper consultation with the affected communities before any decision is taken regarding land use in the Sixth Schedule areas.
The issue has drawn attention to the delicate balance between development, security needs, and the protection of Indigenous rights in Tripura.
