Amra Bangali sparked controversy by calling tribals in Tripura “actual intruders” and asserting Bengalis as the original inhabitants. Warning of agitation, the party demanded protection of Bengali rights, compensation for violence victims, and a judicial probe into attacks. Tensions rise amid ethnic identity disputes in the northeastern state.
The Amra Bangali party declared that tribals are the “actual intruders” in the state, while Bengalis are the true sons of the soil. This claim was made by the party’s State Secretary, Gouranga Rudra Pal, during a press conference held in Agartala on Wednesday.
Citing historical narratives and demographic data, Pal argued that the tribal communities currently residing in Tripura are not indigenous to the region. According to him, the ancestors of the present-day tribal population migrated to Tripura from what is now Myanmar around the 5th century BCE, driven by famine and other hardships. In contrast, he stated, Bengalis have historically been part of the region, with cultural and geographical roots tracing back to Bengal and India.
“Bengalis are the real sons of this soil, but today they are being labelled as outsiders in their own land,” Pal said, visibly emotional during the address. He went on to accuse various political parties in Tripura of remaining silent, or even supportive, of what he described as a campaign to vilify Bengalis and delegitimize their presence in the state.
Warning Against Rising Intolerance
Pal issued a strong warning against attempts to polarize the state’s population along ethnic lines. He emphasized that continued humiliation of Bengalis under the pretext of being ‘outsiders’ would not be tolerated. The Amra Bangali leader hinted at launching large-scale protests if the identity, existence, and rights of the Bengali community in Tripura are not safeguarded.
He stated, “We are ready to resort to extreme forms of agitation if needed. Enough is enough. No longer will we silently bear the insult and injustice meted out to Bengalis in Tripura.”
Census Figures and Migration History
Backing his claims with data, Pal referred to community-wise census figures to demonstrate population growth since India’s independence. He noted that the Bengali population in Tripura rose by 460.87 percent between 1951 and 2011, while the tribal population grew by 507.56 percent during the same period. He used these figures to argue that both communities have experienced substantial demographic shifts and that it is unfair to single out Bengalis.
Pal acknowledged the migration of Bengalis from Chakla Roshanabad — part of the Tripura princely state and now located in Comilla, Bangladesh — during and after the Partition of India. He also mentioned that many Chakma and other tribal communities migrated to Tripura during the same historical period. “If both Bengalis and Janajatis migrated, why are only Bengalis being targeted now?” he asked.
Accusations Against Tipra Motha and Pradyot Kishore
The Amra Bangali leader directly accused Tipra Motha activists of inciting hatred by branding Bengalis as intruders and demanding their deportation to Bangladesh. Pal also criticised Tipra Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma for his silence on recent violence allegedly targeting Bengali communities.
“We have seen repeated attacks, intimidation, and hate speech against Bengalis, yet there has been no serious condemnation from top tribal leaders. This silence is dangerous,” Pal warned.
Key Demands to the Government
At the press meet, Amra Bangali placed a series of demands before the state and central governments:
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Immediate compensation and rehabilitation for Bengali victims of recent violence.
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Provision of security for vulnerable Bengali communities.
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Formation of a judicial inquiry commission, headed by a sitting High Court judge, to investigate incidents of violence and identify culprits.
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Fulfillment of national commitments made during the Partition, ensuring fair compensation and support for Bengali refugees, akin to measures provided for refugees from other states.
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Recognition and protection of the constitutional rights of Bengalis in Tripura, framing them as the region’s original inhabitants and contributors to its economic and cultural development.
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The press conference ended with a strong message: the Bengali community in Tripura will no longer accept being treated as second-class citizens in their own land. Whether these claims and demands will escalate ethnic tensions or prompt constructive dialogue remains to be seen.
