After IPFT, JMACAA resumes protest against CAA in Tripura

The JMACAA had launched an indefinite road and rail blockade programme last month demanding to keep Tripura out of the ambit of CAA. After three days of blockade, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had called them to Delhi for discussion and the movement was withdrawn.

The JMACAA leaders claimed that Shah had asked them to reconsider their demands in the backdrop of the argument that large scale influx of non-tribals from erstwhile East Pakistan and later on from Bangladesh since 1947 has altered the demographic profile of Tripura and tribals became minority in their own land.

“We have been assured by Shah that he would take the appropriate call soon to protect the interest of the indigenous people of Tripura. We were happy that the sufferings of the indigenous people of the state will end and peaceful co-existence of tribal and non-tribal will continue in a manageable situation but in the past three weeks there is no initiative from the Centre. So, we have no other option but to resume our movement against CAA,” said JMACAA convener Anthony Debbarma. 

JMACAA will relaunch the movement with a rally tomorrow in front of Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhawan in the city. A day after on Jan 8 next, they will hold a protest demonstration at Madhabbari in the eastern part of Agartala to mark the first anniversary of police firing and alleged state sponsored attack on the anti-CAB protestors last year. The day will be observed as as a black day.

Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee has also said it will observe Jan 8 as black day.

The JMACAA leadership, however, said that the Union Home Minister had hear them in detail and assured to meet the leaders once again with a detailed demand draft, but no action has been taken even after almost a month has passed.

Besides JMACAA, all other tribal based parties of Tripura, including royal scion Pradyot Kishore Debbarman, have also opposed CAA and announced continuation of protests.

Meanwhile, Revenue Minister of Tripura government and President of IPFT N C Debbarma and it’s General Secretary and Tribal Welfare Minister Mevar Kr Jamatia took part in the beginning of indefinite demonstration today at Dukmali Hati in ADC headquarters Khumlung and addressed the protestors against CAA.

They apprehended that CAA would further increase the number of infiltrators in Tripura, which would subsequently mount pressure on limited opportunities and resources of the state. In addition to creation of full-fledged separate state Tipraland in VI scheduled areas of the state, exemption of the CAA in Tripura, Introduction of NRC all over India is also on the list of demands of tribal outfits.

“Apart from VI scheduled areas, Tripura has 3000 sq kilometres area of the state where the indigenous population is dominant. We can’t only think of the ADC, the entire state needs to be kept out of CAA purview,” Debbarma said, adding that IPFT wants to ensure peaceful co-existence among people of all communities but CAA will disturb it.

He further added the tribal parties of Tripura have been demanding the suitable amendment for more financial and administrative powers for the betterment of the people living in the ADC areas of Northeast. About 68 per cent of total geographical area of Tripura has fallen under VI schedule that covers almost all the eight districts of the state.

On the other hand, BJP parliamentarian Pratima Bhowmik launched a door-to-door campaign from Sunday to explain the reality and facts against the vicious campaign launched against the Act as part of BJP's national outreach programme on CAA.

She claimed the amended Citizenship Act had been passed for a larger national interest. “None of the Indian citizen will be affected by this legislation,” asserted Bhowmik.