Tripura Congress threatens to launch statewide protest against implementation of CAA 

• Image Credit: Google

• May 21, 2024 | Pinaki Goswami

Granting citizenship to large numbers of Hindus under the CAA would significantly reduce the Scheduled Tribe population in the region...

Digital Desk: The Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) announced on Monday its intention to launch a large-scale protest against the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the state. TPCC leader Roy Barman, speaking at a press conference, criticized the move as a politically motivated tactic aimed at electoral gains.

Barman accused both the Central and state governments of using CAA to secure votes, branding it as a "political gimmick." He pointed out that while official notifications for the CAA's implementation have been issued, there is an exception for the sixth scheduled area of the Autonomous District Council. He highlighted the contradictory stance of a political party that has historically opposed the CAA but now supports the government while claiming that the Act will not apply to these areas.

"The Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) is a crucial part of Tripura," Barman emphasized. He warned that granting citizenship to large numbers of Hindus under the CAA would significantly reduce the Scheduled Tribe population in the region. This demographic shift, he argued, would alter the reservation status and fundamentally change the socio-political landscape of the state.

Barman further stated, "The entire demographic landscape will be altered. I want to tell the indigenous people who once hailed him as their 'messiah' that he has betrayed their trust. This is not a constitutional solution. Those who come from other countries and settle in Tripura and elsewhere will enjoy the same rights and privileges as native inhabitants. They will participate in jobs, politics, and other activities. This will not be tolerated or accepted by anyone."

Highlighting the potential negative impacts on the indigenous population, Barman argued that new citizens would compete with native inhabitants for jobs, political representation, and other opportunities, leading to widespread discontent. He affirmed the TPCC's strong opposition to the CAA and announced plans to submit a memorandum to the Chief Secretary on Tuesday. Following this, the Congress party will initiate a statewide protest against the Act.

The TPCC's stance reflects broader concerns about the CAA's impact on Tripura's demographic and social fabric, with indigenous communities fearing marginalization and loss of cultural identity. The impending protests signal escalating tensions and a determined resistance from the Congress party against the Act's implementation in the state.