Tripura came to a near standstill on Wednesday as the Tripura Civil Society launched a 24-hour state-wide bandh demanding action on eight major issues, including the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, the Tiprasa Accord, and the identification and deportation of illegal Bangladeshi migrants living in the state.
The bandh, which began early on October 23, saw widespread participation across districts, with protestors blocking roads and holding demonstrations in Agartala and over 45 other locations. Traffic was disrupted, public transport services remained off the roads, and most markets and offices stayed shut throughout the day.
Leading the agitation, Tipra Motha Party (TMP) MLA Ranjit Debbarma said that despite the Central Government’s direction to identify and deport illegal migrants, Tripura has failed to take any concrete steps. “Unlike Assam, Haryana, or Delhi, which have acted against illegal Bangladeshis, our government has done nothing so far,” he said, calling for immediate action to protect the state’s indigenous population. 
Debbarma also expressed deep dissatisfaction over the delay in implementing the Tiprasa Accord, which was signed 18 months ago to ensure the welfare and rights of the indigenous communities. “It has been a year and a half since the accord was signed, but there has been no visible progress. The Centre and the state government must take this seriously,” he said.
Another major demand raised by the civil society is the adoption of the Roman script for the Kokborok language, a long-standing issue in the state. “We even discussed the matter in the Tripura Assembly, but no decision has been made till now,” Debbarma said, adding that the government must recognise the cultural importance of the demand.
Protestors also called for the introduction of the ILP system in Tripura, similar to that in other northeastern states such as Mizoram, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh. The ILP, they said, would help control unchecked migration and protect the rights of the indigenous Tiprasa people.
The organisation has also urged the government to take strict legal action against individuals allegedly using fake Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates, which they claim deprives genuine beneficiaries of government schemes and reservations.
