Agartala, Oct 23: The 24-hour statewide strike called by Tripura Civil Society witnessed widespread protests across the state on Wednesday. Demonstrators gathered at multiple key locations, including Astabal North Gate, where agitators lit fires and blocked roads in protest. Among those present at the North Gate sit-in was Ambassa MLA Ranjit Debbarma, who addressed the gathering and criticized the state government for inaction on several long-pending demands.
Speaking to the media, MLA Debbarma said,
“Most of our demands are already part of previous agreements with the government. Our foremost concern is the issue of illegal migrants. Despite repeated directions from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs—starting from 1971 up to 2024—the state government has failed to take any concrete steps to identify and deport illegal migrants who entered Tripura after the cutoff date mentioned in the 1993 ATTF agreement.”
He further questioned why, unlike other BJP-ruled states such as Assam, Gujarat, and Haryana where drives against illegal migrants have been initiated Tripura has not acted on the same directive.
“Even after the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) came into force, not a single person in Tripura has applied for citizenship. Why? Because they would first have to admit to being from Bangladesh and risk detention,” Debbarma stated. “Thousands of illegal migrants are living in Agartala and other districts. The government must verify their documents and take necessary action.”
The MLA also accused the state of deliberately delaying the TTAADC Village Council elections.
“Why is the government afraid to hold elections in ADC areas? If they have the strength, they should face the people. It’s a violation of democratic rights to keep the councils unelected for so long,” he added.
When asked about his relationship with Tipra Motha leadership, Debbarma clarified there was “no difference of opinion” between them.
“We are united in our struggle. Maharaja Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma himself announced on October 13 that the October 23 bandh would be peaceful and fully supported,” he confirmed.
The sit-in protests were observed at several major points across Tripura, including:
Astabal North Gate (Agartala), Circuit House, Assembly Secretariat, Madhab Bari, Entry Gate (Dashram Kami), Hathai Kotor Bishramganj, Belphang (Baijal Bari) Hezamara (Khowai Chowmuhani) , Kamalpur Durga Chowmuhani, Salema , Maharani, Ambassa, Kanchanpur, Panisagar,Sabroom TSR Headquarters , TTAADC Khumulwng, Lembucherra
The bandh, which continued for 24 hours, saw peaceful demonstrations but caused disruption in transport and administrative functioning in several parts of the state.
