Normal life has been affected in several parts of the state since morning following dawn to dusk statewide bandh called by Tripura Civil Society for an eight-point charter of demands.

They demanded the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP), the deportation of illegal Bangladeshi migrants, and the prompt execution of the Tiprasa Accord, signed before the last Loksabha election with the central and state governments, by which TIPRA Motha forged alliance with BJP.

Demonstrators chanted slogans like “Illegal Bangladeshis go back,” effectively blocking roads and organising protests in Agartala and over 45 other locations throughout the state. There was report of any violence and untoward incident yet. However, a large number of security personnel have been deployed in all significant locations.

Although the state government directed to maintain normalcy, yet train and transport services were affected. Schools and educational institutions, markets are remained closed.

The bandh has significantly disrupted daily life in many areas, with extensive picketing reported. Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma, who is spearheading the protests, emphasised that among the civil society’s key demands is the immediate enforcement of the Central Government’s directive to identify and deport illegal Bangladeshi migrants residing in Tripura.

“The Tripura Government has failed to act, in contrast with the governments of Assam, Haryana, and Delhi, that have taken measures against illegal migrants. We are insisting on the identification and deportation of these individuals from our state,” Debbarma stated.

He also voiced frustration over the stalled implementation of the Tiprasa Accord, which was signed 18 months ago aimed at promoting the welfare of the indigenous Tiprasa (tribal) community.

“Eighteen months have passed since the accord was signed, yet there has been no noticeable progress in putting it into action,” he remarked.

Debbarma reiterated the demand for the adoption of the Roman script for the Kokborok language, highlighting that despite having raised the issue in the Tripura Legislative Assembly, no progress has been made. It is calling for ILP in Tripura and stricter regulations against individuals utilising fraudulent SC and ST certificates.

“The Tripura Government has not sent any proposal to the Centre regarding ILP, which remains one of our long-overdue demands,” Debbarma added.

The bandh is being carried out peacefully across most areas of the state, with protesters committed to continuing their agitation until their demands are satisfied.