In a historic move reflecting the growing anxiety of indigenous Tripuris, Tipra Motha Working President Animesh Debbarma on Monday began a 2,500-km march to Delhi, demanding constitutional safeguards and urgent action against rising infiltration in Tripura. The march was flagged off from Agartala’s Ujjayanta Palace amid traditional rituals, slogans, and tribal cultural performances by thousands of Tiprasa supporters.
The purpose behind the march
Addressing the gathering before departure, Debbarma declared:
“This march is for the very survival of Tiprasa identity, land, culture, and future. Delhi cannot remain silent when infiltration changes our demography every year.”
He underlined that the march seeks to draw the Prime Minister’s attention to the party’s Greater Tipraland demand, which includes constitutional solutions under Articles 2 and 3 to safeguard Tripura’s indigenous population.
Rising infiltration: A grave concern
Tripura shares an 856-km border with Bangladesh, with large portions comprising riverine terrain and dense forests. As per BSF and state reports, infiltration figures have surged over the past four years, particularly in Sepahijala, Unakoti, and North Tripura districts.
| Year | Illegal Immigrants Apprehended (Jan-Jun) |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 165 |
| 2022 | 198 |
| 2023 | 242 |
| 2024 | 310 |
| 2025 | 368 |
Security officials attribute this rise to:
- Poor fencing in riverine areas
- Economic hardships in Bangladesh driving migration
- Organised human trafficking networks exploiting porous stretches
- Lack of advanced surveillance in unfenced segments
Indigenous leaders allege demographic change threatens their political representation, land rights, and cultural existence.
Tipra Motha’s core demands
The memorandum to be submitted to the Prime Minister includes:
- Constitutional solution for Greater Tipraland ensuring autonomy and direct Centre linkage for tribal governance.
- Complete fencing of remaining 67 km of border, with sensor radars and smart surveillance systems.
- Implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) to regulate entry and protect tribal lands.
- Recognition of Kokborok as an official language in the Eighth Schedule.
- Enhanced central funding for TTAADC for health, education, and rural infrastructure development.
March route and plan
Debbarma will lead over 500 cadres through:
- Agartala – Silchar – Guwahati – Siliguri – Patna – Kanpur – Delhi
The march is expected to reach Delhi by August 14-15, where Tipra Motha plans to hold a peaceful sit-in at Jantar Mantar to press for their demands before Independence Day.
Political reactions in Tripura
Chief Minister Manik Saha termed the march “politically motivated,” stating:
“The state government is committed to all communities’ welfare. Infiltration is under control due to strict BSF vigilance. Tipra Motha is raking up emotional issues to revive their Greater Tipraland demand.”
However, opposition CPI(M) leader Jitendra Choudhury supported the call for stronger border management, cautioning:
“While infiltration is real, the Greater Tipraland demand needs consensus and legal clarity. Tipra Motha must ensure the movement does not communalise Tripura’s social fabric.”
Centre’s response on border fencing
Home Ministry sources highlighted that out of 67 km of unfenced border, 52 km has been sanctioned under Phase II fencing, targeted for completion by December 2025.
| Tripura Border Fencing Status (2025) |
|—|—|
| Total border length | 856 km |
| Fenced | 789 km |
| Unfenced | 67 km |
| Priority fencing (Phase II) | 52 km |
Yet indigenous organisations argue fencing alone is inadequate without:
- Integrated border management
- Strengthened BSF mobility
- Coordination with Bangladesh to curb human trafficking networks
Experts analyse Tipra Motha’s move
Political commentator Nani Debbarma observed:
“This march carries historic symbolism for Tiprasa. Whether it translates into policy change depends on Tipra Motha’s ability to maintain unity and negotiate constitutionally.”
Professor Ratan Debbarma of Tripura University added:
“Demographic anxiety is real. Indigenous Tripuris are now under 30% of state population, down from over 80% before partition. However, Greater Tipraland requires constitutional amendment, political consensus, and Centre-state understanding.”
Public sentiment: From hope to caution
Indigenous youth organisations have thrown full support behind the march, with social media flooded by hashtags like #MarchToDelhi #GreaterTipraland #ProtectTiprasa.
Comments include:
- “This march is about survival, not politics.”
- “Hope Delhi listens to Tiprasa voice this time.”
- “Infiltration is wiping out our land and identity, fencing is not enough.”
However, Bengali organisations cautioned that Tipra Motha must ensure inclusivity and avoid communal polarisation during the movement.
Greater Tipraland: Vision and roadblocks
Tipra Motha’s demand for Greater Tipraland entails:
- Expansion of TTAADC to include tribal-majority villages outside its current jurisdiction.
- Direct administrative linkage with the Centre for autonomy in cultural and land affairs.
- Special constitutional protection for tribal land, jobs, and traditions.
Critics warn this could lead to administrative complexity and inter-community tensions if not handled with consensus building.
Past movements by Tipra Motha
Founded by Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, Tipra Motha has built momentum through:
| Year | Movement | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Demand for Greater Tipraland | Mobilised mass tribal support |
| 2022 | Protest against NRC exclusion fears | Raised issue at national forums |
| 2023 | Border fencing agitation | Phase II fencing sanctioned |
| 2024 | ILP demand rally | State assurance for Centre discussion |
| 2025 | 2,500-km March to Delhi | Ongoing |
Final thoughts
As Tipra Motha’s 2,500-km march to Delhi progresses, it is set to intensify debates on infiltration, indigenous identity, and constitutional autonomy in Tripura. While it remains to be seen if the Centre will yield to Greater Tipraland demands, the march has already succeeded in spotlighting the demographic and cultural insecurities felt by Tripura’s indigenous population.
Whether this movement remains peaceful and inclusive while achieving strategic political negotiations will determine its ultimate legacy in the state’s history.
Disclaimer: This news article is for informational purposes only. It includes political statements, public data, and expert analyses based on field reports. Final outcomes and government decisions remain subject to official confirmation.
