Tripura Gears Up for CAA Implementation, but Silence from Political Parties

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, May 18, 2024

Tripura is preparing to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) despite the Act not applying to the state's Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). The state's Census Department swung into action after receiving a directive from the Union Home Ministry.

A seven-member committee headed by Ravindra Riang, Director of Census Work Directorate, has been formed at the state level. This committee includes representatives from various departments like the State Intelligence Bureau (SIB), National Informatics Centre (NIC), Foreigners' Regional Registration Office (FRRO), and the state Home department. Similar five-member empowerment committees with the Senior Superintendent of Postal Services as the chairman have been constituted at the district level.

While preparations are underway, a key point to note is that the CAA will not be enforced in the ADC areas of Tripura. These areas have a significant indigenous population and have special administrative autonomy.

For those seeking Indian citizenship under the CAA, applications can be submitted online through the Citizenship Online website or via a mobile app. A dedicated helpline number (1031) has also been thrown open.

The Act allows Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Christians, Parsis, and Buddhists from neighbouring countries (Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan) who entered India before December 31, 2014, to apply for citizenship after verification.

Interestingly, the news of CAA implementation in Tripura comes amidst ongoing elections in the state. Political parties, including the Left parties, Congress, Tipra Motha, IPFT, and Trinamool Congress, have remained silent on the issue. This silence is particularly noteworthy considering Tipra Motha, the current ruling party, emerged from a movement against the CAA. The movement even witnessed violence in Madhavbari, leading to a death by police firing. However, Tipra Motha chief Pradyot Kishore Debbarma and other party leaders have not commented on the recent developments. The stance of the IPFT party also remains unclear.

The silence of political parties regarding the CAA implementation in Tripura adds another layer of intrigue to the ongoing developments. It remains to be seen if this silence continues or if parties will eventually take a public stand on the issue.