‘Bangladesh was never a friend, all must come together to fight illegal immigration': Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore to non-tribals

Indian Express

4 days ago

In an apparent bid to reach out to non-tribals, especially Bengalis who form nearly 70 per cent of Tripura's population, Tipra Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma Friday said all residents of the state should come together to combat illegal migration.
'I want to tell something to the people of Tripura that Bangladesh was never our friend. In the 80s, 90s, early 2000s… our Tiprasa youths were invited and were provided with arms, camps… by whom? Bangladesh… Today, Bangladesh is fomenting anti-India sentiments since the departure of Sheikh Hasina… I expect all of you, not just Tiprasa but everyone, to come together and fight against illegal migration,' Debbarma said in an audio message.
He further alleged that illegal migrants from Bangladesh change their names to get Aadhaar cards and then settle not just in Tripura but also in other states like Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, etc.
'When I am speaking against illegal Bangladeshis, I am not speaking against you (non-tribals). I am speaking against those who enter India and try to weaken our country. Tiprasa alone can't fight this battle; I need your help… We can do this only when we set aside our personal differences and go ahead… This is not a fight for politics. This is the fight to save our next generation,' the Tipra Motha founder said.
A few days ago, Debbarma had urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to follow the Bihar model of revision of electoral rolls in the Northeast, especially Tripura. He also said the party would seek a meeting with ECI officials in Delhi to discuss the matter.
Citing reports of a popular TV channel, Debbarma said the ECI conducted a local survey in Bihar and came to know that many illegal migrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar, among others, have become voters.
'The same exercise should be conducted in Northeast India… I fail to understand why Bihar is important and the Northeast is not for ECI. Aren't we also children of India? Time for Tipra Motha MLAs to write to EC to do the same here. I request all our northeastern brothers and sisters to put the same pressure on your regional parties to do the same!' Debbarma wrote on his social media page.