Tipra Motha Party legislator Ranjit Debbarma, an MLA from BJP’s ruling ally in Tripura, has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging the immediate introduction of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in the state to safeguard its demographic balance and enhance national security.

In his letter, Debbarma referred to the Memorandum of Settlement signed on August 23, 1993, between the All Tripura Tribal Force (ATTF) and the Government of Tripura. He pointed out that the agreement clearly recommended that the state government take up the demand for ILP with the Centre and press for its approval.

“The MoU specifically states that the case for the introduction of the Inner Line Permit system would be taken up with the Government of India, and that the state government will insist on its approval,” Debbarma wrote.

Expressing concern over the prolonged inaction, the MLA said, “It is surprising that even after more than three decades, the state government has not implemented the ILP system for reasons best known to them.”

Debbarma highlighted that Manipur became the fourth northeastern state to adopt the ILP system in 2019, after Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram. Despite sharing an 856-kilometre-long international border with Bangladesh, Tripura remains without the protective mechanism, leaving it vulnerable to unchecked illegal migration, he argued.

“Illegal infiltration into Tripura is rising alarmingly due to the absence of the ILP system. This poses a serious threat not just to the state’s internal security, but to national security as well,” the letter stated.

Citing the 32-year delay in implementation, the MLA emphasized the urgent need for action. “It is absolutely essential to introduce the ILP system in Tripura to preserve the state’s identity and to secure India. I humbly urge you to take immediate steps in this direction,” he concluded.