AGARTALA: Amid tensions in Bangladesh, TIPRA Motha leader and Tripura royal scion Pradyot Debbarma has called for urgent measures to prevent a potential refugee crisis in India.
The political turmoil in Bangladesh, which has intensified following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has raised alarms across India’s Northeast states, particularly in Tripura.
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Debbarma expressed grave concerns about the possible consequences of allowing refugees to cross into the region during this period of instability.
“Permitting the entry of refugees into Northeast India at this time could seriously endanger our future and survival,” he warned.
He urged the Indian government to take immediate steps to safeguard the rights and livelihoods of the indigenous people in the region by providing land rights, economic opportunities, and constitutional protections.
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The situation in Bangladesh remains highly volatile, with major protests breaking out in Chittagong on Saturday.
Thousands of Hindus rallied in the streets, demanding stronger protections and an end to the ethnic persecution of religious minorities.
Among their demands were the creation of a dedicated ministry and commission for minority affairs and a 10% reservation in the new government’s legislature.
In response to the escalating tensions, the North East Students Organisation (NESO), an umbrella group representing student organizations from across the northeastern states, has also called for the complete closure of borders with Bangladesh.
NESO leaders voiced concerns that an uncontrolled influx of refugees could threaten the cultural heritage and economic stability of the indigenous communities in the region.