Civil society groups led by MLA Ranjit Debbarma have called a 12-hour Tripura Bandh on October 13, 2025, pressing seven key demands including action against illegal migrants, implementation of the Tripartite Accord, and introduction of the Roman script.
In a major development ahead of the festive season, a collective of civil society groups in Tripura, led by rebel-turned-MLA Ranjit Debbarma, has announced a 12-hour dawn-to-dusk strike on October 13, 2025 (Monday). The bandh, scheduled from 6 AM to 6 PM, has been called to press for a seven-point charter of demands aimed at safeguarding the rights and interests of the Tiprasa community.
The announcement was made during a press conference on Saturday, where Debbarma was joined by leaders of various social organizations. Stressing that the initiative is entirely non-political, Debbarma said, “This movement is sponsored by civil society groups. It has no links with any political party. As a society, we put forth these seven-point charter of demands which the government should look into.”
Key Demands of the Civil Society Groups
According to the leaders, the most urgent demand concerns the detection and deportation of illegal immigrants from Tripura. Debbarma alleged that unlike neighboring Assam, where proactive measures have been taken, the state administration in Tripura has failed to comply with directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs to identify and deport illegal migrants.
The second demand emphasizes the establishment of detention camps to house migrants found to be staying illegally. “If Assam can set up camps, why not Tripura? We need proper facilities to hold illegal immigrants until deportation procedures are completed,” Debbarma said.
In addition to immigration-related issues, the civil society groups have listed other demands:
-
Full implementation of the Tripartite Accord signed earlier with Indigenous organizations.
-
Introduction of the Roman script to preserve and promote cultural identity.
-
Adequate steps for the safeguarding of land and resources belonging to indigenous people.
-
Concrete policies to protect the linguistic and cultural rights of the Tiprasa community.
-
Assurance of fair representation in state-level decision-making bodies.
Civil Society Stresses Unity
The Tiprasa Civil Society (TCS), which is spearheading the agitation, has urged all sections of the indigenous community and concerned citizens to support the strike and ensure its success. In its statement, the organization declared, “This strike is a united movement to safeguard the interests and rights of the Tiprasa community. It is not politically motivated but a people’s struggle for justice.”
The bandh is expected to impact normal life across Tripura on October 13, as participants have appealed to shops, businesses, transport operators, and educational institutions to remain closed during the protest. While essential services are likely to be exempted, widespread participation is anticipated given the growing support among indigenous groups.
Political Reactions Awaited
While Debbarma insisted that the bandh is apolitical, observers note that the move could have significant political ramifications in Tripura, where indigenous rights and illegal immigration have long been contentious issues. Political parties are expected to react in the coming days, either by extending support or opposing the bandh.
Government officials have yet to release a formal response, but sources indicated that law enforcement agencies are already preparing to maintain order on October 13.
A Test of Civil Society Power
The upcoming 12-hour strike will be a test of the strength and unity of civil society-led movements in the state. For Ranjit Debbarma, who has transformed from a rebel figure to an elected legislator, the bandh represents both a challenge and an opportunity to consolidate public opinion around indigenous concerns.
| Also Read: Animesh Debbarma slams Govt for Delay in Tripartite Accord |
Whether the government agrees to open dialogue on the seven-point demands or resists the pressure remains to be seen. For now, Tripura is bracing for a day of shutdown that could carry deep social and political implications.
