Bijoy Kumar Hrangkhawl. Member Legislative Assembly. President. Indigenous Nationalist Party of Twipra. Quarter No. Type - 1V/3. Kunjaban Township. - 799006 Tripura.

Statement, at the 21st Working Group of Indigenous Population,from 21st to 25th July, 2003 at Geneva, Switzerland

Mr. Chairman Sir.

Thank you very much for giving me time to speak about 'Globalization of Indigenous People*. This is my second time here to share the theme of how the Indigenous People around the globe are becoming marginalized and subjected to mercy seekers in own land.

It is true that in many country the National, Regional and local Government or authorities are scepticism about the recognition of legitimate rights of Indigenous People. In most of the World's Countries, Indigenous People are deprived of their control over resources, their political and economic power and their opportunities to obtain higher education or legal training alongwith their ability to exercise their rights are severely limited. At the local level more and more extractive industries are prospecting for oil, minerals or plants, dams or adjacent to ancestral Indigenous Territories, after leading to conflicts over Indigenous sovereignty, rights of access benefit sharing, and potential and actual environmental damage.

Tripura, a small State of India's North-East had officially merged with the Union of India on 15th October, 1949, after 2 (two) years attainment of India independent, virtually become a free land for millions of refugees from the then East Pakistan now Bangladesh and within very short span the sons of the soil, the Indigenous People became minority and gradually the Indigenous People had to move away to thick forest in search of new living being dislodged of economic burden.

Contd..2.. With the standing law of the land of Tripura the legitimate right on land, ancestral possession of natural resources, opportunities of Government services in favour of the indigenous people had never been an instrument of minimum satisfaction.

Insurgency and lawlessness situation over the past 2 (two) decade is not a new phenomena in the entire region of the North-Eastern state of India including Tripura. In view of the vastness of the Union of Indian Republic the North- Eastern States are but only identification on the Map.

Due to poverty many youths are frustrated, so massive attractive educational and economical institutions with proper infrastructure could had been the right way that the today's insurgency was avoided.

When the Indigenous People found themselves outnumbered and unprotected, and national, regional and local governments are also unable to determine meaningful measure to restore confidence of the Indigenous People, then what a man can do ?

Weak is always weak in all respect, so nothing is wrong if for equality, and restoration of bonafied right, one seeks help and someone helps; so the Indigenous People of the world should walk and voice together for restoration of ancestral heritage, no matter what the other people think of us. The very important message (theme) of "Globalization of Indigenous Population" should be taken to the last part of the World.

Lastly but not the least, the indigenous people of Tripura are hoping that, the Forum of WGIP could produce meaningful fruit fot the indigenous people around the world.

For Ready Reference:- Authentic detailed records, information relating to the Princely State of Twipra Kingdom (and realm) a TEXT of Page 1 -37 is submitted.

Enel: As Sated.

Date: 2/ - oj- D-3 (B.K. HRANGKHAWL) President Indigenous Nationalist Party of Twipra, India

E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Contd..3.. MEMORANDUM

INTRODUCTION

The unabated influx of illegal migrants from East Pakistan/Bangladesh into Twipra (Tipperah/Tripura) State and the consequent sea-changing in the demographic structure of the State has been an well-established fact and a matter of serious concern not only of Tripura State but the Union of India as a whole. This phenomenon has totally jeopardized the identity and existence of the Aborigines/Indigenous Tribal Population of the State reducing them into microscopic minority in their ancestral homeland.

Illegal migration into Tripura is still the core issue behind the unrest, ethnic tension and a series of mass-movement right from the dawn of Indian Independence - to be more specific from the date of merger of Princely ruled Tripura State with the Indian Dominion on and from 15th October 1949. Population explosion due to illegal colossus infiltration is undoubtedly the prime contributory factor behind the outbreak of Aborigines/tribal insurgency in the State. This burning issue has not ever been fully addressed to by the concerned authorities so far.

Superficially, there may be a tendency to view this serious problem as a regional issue, affecting only the people of the State, but it has the dangerous dimension threatening our national security as a whole. Unprecedented and un-etidinu illegal niigraiion and consequence:- thereof in

Tripura Siate has been attending attention of different concern only from recent

past and this has also been placed before different fora both in national and

international arena by different agencies.

PART-* (ONE) MIGRATION INTRJPURA

J. HISTORICAL BACKGROUD: A peep into the demographic history of

Tripura will reveal that Tripura v\as an ancient State ruled by Kings of Tripura

iroin couple of centuries, The State nas a referenc dared back during epic era of the Rainayana and the Mahabharata and there were continuous references during

the regime of Hindu, Mohamedan and lastly the British rules In India. Ancient

Tripura State having vast geographical areas in Eastern India, bordering Burma

(Myanmar) in the East. Bay of Bengal in the South. Naga Hills in the North and upto North Bengal in the "west. Even during the rule of last but one King. Maharaja

Bir Bikram (184lU King of Trip'ra) the Tripura State having much greater geographical areas with two distinctive parts \'\7... Hill Tipperah and Tipperah

District. Once again Tipperali District and partly Chittagong Hiil District contribute a vast estate of Tripura to tulers known as "Chakla Rosanabad" having total 550 sq. Miles geographical areas.

From the first ever Census record of 1S72, the Population of Tripura State and Chakla Rosanabad was distinctive iy estate and neighbouring districts u'K'er

British Rule not so :rea;eu as reai sub"-:o:i ofi'rii.cdy Tripura State but termed as 'jiratia Praja" i.e. People who migrated to Tripura temporarily. say for one crop- bear agricultural purpose in the fertile land of Hill Tipperah i.e. present Tripura and returned to home districts subsequently.

Furthermore, history disclosed that the rulers of Hill Tipperah were always welcoming to outside farmers to migrate to Tripura for their permanent settlement with a view to utilizaiioit of vast fallow land lor cultivation and to increase Suite's exchequer through such exercise.

It was also proved beyond doubt that due to natural calamities, ethnic violence from time to time large chunk of population mainly the Bengali speaking population took shelter in Hill Tipperah - who had been taken care of by the royal administration including arrangement of their Permanent Settlement on land.

Around 15,000 people entered into Tripura in a single occasion of ethnic violence in Noakhali and Dacca in 1941.

Furthermore, there was migration of outsiders into Tripura on die wisdom of rulers as the services of those outsiders were required for running the royal administration. Those people not only migrated and emp!o>od but also awarded

Permanent Settlement on free-hold land.

From the above discussion, it is proved beyond doubt thai migration of population into Tripura State having its long association :ue hisior. of

Tripura.

5 2. CERTAIN MEASURES / SAFE-GUARDS TAKEN BY THE EX-

RULER(S) TO PROTECT THE INTEREST OF INDIGENOUS TRIBAL

PEOPLE IN THE STATE AGAINST SUCH MIGRATION: For the encouragement of Aborigines/Indigenous Tribal population for wet-land cultivation (abandoning the Jhum cultivation), the ex-ruler of Tripura . .Maharaja

Bir Bikram Kishorc Debbarma made 2 (two) successive orders reserving a total of geographical areas of 2060 sq. Miles (1 10 -r 1950 sq. Miles) oui of total 41 16 sq.

Miles of the Slate in 1931 and 1943 respectively exclusively for 'Panclia" Tripuris i.e. Tripuri, , , and Halam Indigenous Tribes). But this safe­ guard on land for the Tribal have been honoured for breach more than that of actual implementation by the subsequent Tripura Administration.

It is pertinent to refer to the "Tripura Merger agreement with the Indian

Dominion" read with "Instrument of ^cession" the Text and Terms and

Conditions of these two Treaties clearly defined that all enactments by the ruler(s) of Tripura and in existence on the date of execution of those treaties shall be honoured unless those laws/acts were repealed by the successive acts.

It is once again crystal clear that the aforesaid reservation order(s) of

Tripura Ruler has been totally violated when the rehabilitation of so called refugees (illegal migrants} was attempted in Tripura during 1949 co even though those reservation acts were repealed oniy in I960 through a comprehensive land legislation entitled "Tripura Land Revenue and Land R5c-6rd Act. 1960"

(TLR&LR Act. 1960 in abbreviation).

6 This exercise was also contrary to the Tripura Administration order, ¡949. issued by Govt, of India in conformity with the Administration order.

1949 upon the execution of merger agreement(s). The Foreigners Act. 1946 although extending the whole of Indian Dominion, but Tripura State seems to be kept isolated / outside the purview of the said act irrespective of the fact that the influxion of foreign nationals were the highest in Tripura State.

3. DEMOGRAPHIC SCENARIO IN EAST PAKISTAN/BANGLADESH:

Leading intellectuals in Bangladesh have been making a case for "Lebensraurn"

(living space) of their country; very recently, in his anicie Prof. A.M. Akash.

Professor of Economics, Dacca University, Bangladesh, appeared in Bengali

Magazine (Desh) dated 17.06.2003, has vividly clarified the demographic trend of

Bangladesh. Prof. Akash has proved the abnormal declining trend of the total minority (Hindu) population in Bangladesh. He has shown that in 1951, the minority (Hindu) population accounted for 23.1% of the total population. In 1961

Census it came down to 19.6%, while in 1974 it was accounted 14.6%. In the year

1981, it had further reduced to 13.4% and lastly in 1991. it accounted for only

11.4%. Thus, the decline of minority (Hindu) population within the period from

1951 - 1991, say within 40 years was 23.1% - i i.4% - 11.7% i.e. more than 50% of the total minority (Hindu) population of Bangladesh.

Prof. Akash further disclosed the sensational tec-taK about the outer migration of minority population from Bangladesh to neighbouring countries, h was accounted that from 1964 to 1991 the average daily migration of minority population found to be as high as 538 persons. In simple calculation it works out

538 x 28 x 365 = 54,98,360 i.e. around f 5 lakhs of people.

7 4. OFFICIAL STATEMENTS EXPRESSING CONCERN OVER

ILLEGAL MIGRATION INTO TRIPURA STATE

(i) In 1951. Mr. G.V. Panth. the then Home Minister. Union of India, in his statement on the floor of Parliament declared '"Tripura is super saturated with influx population. Not a single refugee could further be accommodated in Tripura

State."

(ii) The GOVT, of India appointed a Commission in i960 with the chairmanship of

Shri U.N. Dhebar. known as"Dhebar Commission" to look into the problems of illegal migrants and to put a preventive check on further inflow of the illegal migrants into Tripura. The Commission recommended regarding the influx of

Bangladeshi illegal migrants into the State as "49.8: The influ\ of displaced persons fro Pakistan (now Bangladesh) to Tripura has been enormous and has upset the local economy. It has greatly affected the Tribals and has made the Tribal problem acute. The right of the Tribal in land should be safeguarded.'"

(iii) Shri Indrajit Gupta, the then Home Minister of India stated in Parliament on 6th

May 1997 that there were 10 millions illegal migrants residing in India. Quoting

\JHA / Intelligence Bureau Source, the I0ih August 1998 issue of "India To-:lay", has given the breakdown of these illegal migrants by States:- West Bengal 5.4 million. 4 million, Tripura 0.8 million. Bihar 0.5 million. Maharastra 0.5 million. Rajasthan 0.5 million and Delhi 0.3 million making a total of 1- million.

(iv) In 1993-94. in the electoral rolls revision exercise in Tripura it was officialK pronounced that consequent upon the revision of electoral rolls, it has been identified that 1.35 lakhs of population in Tripura State arc having no citizenship/legal document!;. It is therefore, well established that they are none but

g illegal migrants from Bangladesh. But the fact remains that the detected 1.35 iakhi illegal migrants were allowed to stay back in the State.

(v) The total population as reflected in the Village-Panchayat Registers do not tally with the total population against whose Ration Cards ha\e been issued to draw the essential commodities from Fair Price Shops in Tripura State, fvi) Regarding the grant of Indian Citizenship to Refugees from East Bengal who have crossed over to India after 25i!l march 1971. an instruction that application from such Refugees for Indian Citizenship should not be entertained was issued to the all the Chief Secretaries of States Governments and Union Territories

Administration by Shri G.L. Goyal. Under Secretary to the Govt, of India, vide No.

26011/16/71.iC. Ministry of Home Affairs, dated. New Delhi-1, the 29il! Nov.

1971.

PART- 11 (TWO) ILLEGAL MIGRATION AND THE ABORIGINES OF TRIPURA

INTRODUCTION

Migration is a world phenomenon. Broadly speaking, migration ma; be internal or externa!. It may also be both legal and illegal, which can affect all aspects of life in a state or a society. Demography change always affects the genetic, ecological, geographical, historical, economical, social, cultural religious and political aspects of a state or a society. On one hand, norma! demographic- change in a society is affected through rite interaction of the three main factors, namely demographic structure, demographic processes and social structure. Cn the other hand, abnormal demographic expansion in a slate may be affected by sudden or compulsion migration, internal and external. In a nutshell, growth rate of

9 population in a state is ultimately affected by birth, death and migration. In fact, flow of illegal migration has seriously affected all aspects of life of the Aborigines of the State of Tripura.

1. THE CHANGING DEMOGRAPHIC PATTERN AND PEOPLE OF

TWIPRA (TRIPURA): Demographic, pattern determines all walks of life in a state or a society. The present study is concerned with the demographic features of

Tripura. In Tripura. the growth of population has been so phenomena! that over the past one hundred and ihiny years (1872 - 2002 A.D.) the territory registered more than 42 (forty-two) times increase in its population, which has badly affected the normal life situation of the Aborigines of the State and alio the normal life situation of non-Aborigines but citizens of formerly princely Tripura State. This abnormally high growth population in Tripura is not due to the norma! or natural demographic factors like fertility, mortality etc.. but is mainly due to u great mliux of migrants, the State had to receive prior to its Merger with Indian Union (15th

October, 1949 A.D.) and also the influx of illegal migrants in the Post-Merger period particularly the period from 1950 to 25U: March 1971 A.D. This demographic process alfo resulted in wide variations of the pocen'atze of both

Aborigines ' Indigenous population and Non-Indigenous • rorei\_;i Nationals population to the total population of the State particularly in it:", Post-Merger period. TStus. from the periodical point of view, the present stucl> of popu'.uic" of

Tripura may be divided into two major phases - ii) Pre-Merger period and (hi Post

Merger period. The Pre-Merger period consists of Census period from !8~2 - 15^

October i949 A.D.. whereas the Post-Merger period consists of Census period from October 1949 - 2001 A.D. In other words, the Censuses conducted during the Kings" regime of Independent Tiperrah/Tripura State may be called Pre-

Merger Census period, while the Censuses conducted after the Merger is'! date may

¡0 be called Post-Merger Census period. The Post-Merger period may roug. divided into two parts - (i) Period of Major Influx of Immigrants (1950-1971 and (ii) Period of Post cum Continual Influx of Immigrants (1971 - 2001 A.D..

The present population study will stress upon the Post-Merger period particularly the Period of Major Influx of Immigrants. Table-I will show the demographic fluctuation in Pre-Merger Tripura and Post-Merger Tripura. and percentage of decadal variation in population.

TABLE-'l: DECADAL VARIATION IN POPULATION AND THE PERCENTAGE OF BOTH ABORIGINES / INDIGENOUS POPULATION AND NON-ABORIGINES / FOREIGN NATIONALS POPULATION TO THC TOTAL POPULATION OF TWIPRA (TRIPURA) FROM 1872-200IA.D.

- Year Total Percentage Aborigines / Foi ci"U Percentage of Percen'-'iL'f.' population of variation Indigenous Nationals Aborigines Toiei^ii population / population Indigenous Nationals (but ST from 1956 Outsiders population to the total i.e. ¡961 Census) to the total population population

*\ 1 4 5 6 /

1S72 35.262 - . _ _ IisSl 95.637 171.22 12.380 S7.06 12.94 IS91 1.37.442 43.7 1 1.04., 14 33.32o 2- ^5 1901 1.73,325 26.1 1 1.2'\43 i 43.894 74.68 25.32 ion 2,29.613 32.4S 1.47.950 81.653 64.34 35.66 1921 3.04.437 32.59 2.08.051 96.386 68.34 3 1.66 ¡931 3.82.450 25.63 2.68.067 1.14.383 70.09 2C-.91 1941 5.13,010 34.14 3.18.359 1,94.651 62.06 37.94 19?! 6.39.028 24.56 3.10.946 3.28.082 48.65 51.35 1961 11.42.005 78.71 3.60.070 7.81.935 31.53 65.47 1971 15.56.342 36.28 4.50.544 1 1.05.798 28.95 71.05 ¡981 20.53.058 3 1.92 5.S3.920 14.69.138 28.44 71.56 1^91 27.57.205 25.54 8.53.920 19.03.8.60 30.95 oS.05 2001 31.91.168 15.74 - - - -

Sources: !. Debbanna. Samarendra, Census Bibarani (Census Report) - 1340 .T.E (i 93 1 A.D.), Tripura Government Press. Independent Twipra (Tripura! 5u':o.

11 2. Tlw Tribes nf Tripura. op. a'l.. Appendix 8 and also in LJhauachsrya. A.Is... Trip;,;\; - A Portrait of Papulation (compiled from Census of India, 1971 A.D.). Govt, of'lndia. 3. Smastava. S.C., Demographic Profile of North East India, forwarded by B.K. Roy Burman. Miual Publications. Delhi. ¡987. 4.Censusofl<)91 and 2001.

The above Table-i shows that the total population, including (perhaps) few thousands of foreign nationals, of Independent Tripura State shown in its first

Census (1872 A.D.) was 35.262. but the decadal variation or growth rate (i.e. Ig72

- 1881 A.D.) in population was 177.22 per cent, which is extremely high. In fact, the growth rate figure of population in 1SS1 A.D. Census, obviously seems to be abnormal, but the historical fact, which may be justified on the basis of ie\ei of awareness, quality of life, transport and communication, geographical condition, socio-cultural milieu etc. of the State and its people at that time, remains that the first Census might not have been conducted as thorough as Censuses conducted In the later periods. Because, it was quite impossible to conduct Census in the remote and inaccessible interior places of the State where most of the Aborigines or

Indigenous People Iked; though conducted, the method of Census in the context of interior places was not proper at that time. It follows from this that many people were not included in the first Census, but as the level of awar.-ness rose and many other determining factors improved the once left out pernor.s airing ihe \'w-:.\

Census were, perhaps, included in the second Census in I SSI A.D.. which resulted in wkie decadal variation of percentage in population of the Star--? during the second Census in 1891 A.D. The table also shows that growth rate of population of

Tripura had maintained more or less a steady increasing trend since the beginning of 20,h" Century excepting the decade (1951 — i901 A.D.) that followed after the

Tripura Merger with Indian Union in \"-<9 A.D. In this decade the population registered an abnormally high growth rate of 78.71 per cent LS reflected in the ¡961

Census.

¡2 Is this expansion or increase in population in Tripura natural or normal?

Table-2 below depicts a picture of decadal growth rate in Tripura against all-India decadal growth rate in population.

TABLE-2: COMPARISON Of D CCA DAL GROWTH RATES Or TWTPRA (TRIPURA] WITH [NDiA (FROM 1931-1971 A.D.J

Year Aii-lndia decadal Tripura decadal growth urowrh (%) " i%)

193I-*i 14.2 34.14 '! 941-5! 13.3 24.56 1951-61 21.6 7S.71 1961-71 24.6 36.28

Sources: 1. Debb-imia. S-imarendra. Census iiiharant (Census Report) - ! 340 .T.C (193 ! A.D.;. Tripura Go'.cnr.r-enr Press. h'.dependfn: T-.ipra (Tripura i S;aic 2. The Tribes of Tripura, op. cit.. Appendix 8 and also in Bhatu'.char\a. A.K.. Trinuru - A fa-trait of Popitiutitin (ccnpiled from Census cf India, 19"7! A.D.). GOVT, ofliidia. 3. Bhariacharvjee, S.R. Tribal insurgent.} ui Tripura: A Study in C\pIo radon of Crises, inter- India Publications. New Delhi. 19S9.

A comparative study of the growth rates of population in Twipra (Tripura) shown in iable-2 above, reveals that In each successive decade falling within 1931-

¡971 rhe figure for decad.v growth rate ir. Tripura far jJiead from il':-: cor^jspunding ,i;Mndia de;aJa! growth rae of population. The figures for i?51-

1961 record an abnormal difference of 57.11 per cent in growth rati. This abnormally or unnaturali> high growth rate in Tripura In comparison wuh that of

•he whole country may be explained il'decadal flow of immigration from rlifrciem

Provinces and States is taken into account.

2. FLOW OF M1KGATION Cf FOREIGN NATiONALS/D'SPLACfcD PERSONS AND SETTING UP O'.-' CAMPS OR COLONIES FOR EA::T PAKISTANI / BANGLADESHI RE Fl-GEES ?N TWlfRA (TRIPURA): The total population of the State during 139! A.D. Census, '.'.'as 1.3 7,442. which na^

13 already been shown in Table-1 in detail. The total number of Foreign Nationals was 33.328. The inflow of immigrants or foreign nationals from different Provinces and States over the Pre-Merger period of Tripura is shown in Table-3.

TABLE-3: ABORIGINES POPULATION AND FOREIGN NATIONALS OF INDEPENDENT TWIPRA (TIPPERAH) STATE DURING 1891 CENSUS.

Place of birth Persons who were staying in the State of Twipra Outside Twipra (Tipperah) during Census Period in 1891 A.D.

Population Males Females

1 2 J 4

(A) From Neighbouring Districts 31.028 1. Chotragumi District 9.207 5.004

2. Noakhali District : 3.53 i

3. Tripura (Plain) 6.845 4.320 2 '"2^

4. Other Provinces (i) Sylhet : 11.291 6.024 5.267 (ii) Cachar S8 43 45

Total 31.028 17.730 13.298

(B) From Other Districts of Banga 956 685 271

: 123 SO -r1 _*S• (D) Orissa 11 i i Nil (L) C'lCttanuypur 23 T 1 [ — (T; Other Provinces arid countries : 1.187 744 -4?

Total : 2.300 1.531

Grind Total (A+B+C+D-E-f) 33,328 : 9.202 14.006 (Total No. of Foreign Nationals! Total Population ¡.37.442 Aborigines Population : 1.04.114 Total Population : 1.37.442 Total Foreign Nationals : (-) 33,328

Tot til Aborigine Population : 1.04.114

14 Sources: 1. Debbarma. Samarendra. Census Bibarani (Census Report)- 1340 .TX |1931 A.D i. Tripura Government Press. Independent Twipra (Tripura) State. 2. The Tribes tif Tripura, op. cil.. Appfndi.\ S and also in Bhattadiarva. A.K... Tripuu, - .J Portrait of Population (compiled from Census of India. I 97 I A.D.). Govt, of India.

The inflow of immigrants or foreign nationals from different Frounces and

States over the Pre-Merger period of Tripura has been very phenomenal. The total population of the State during 1901 Census was estimated to be 1.73.325. out of which 43.894 persons were Foreign Nationals and 1.29.431 were the Aborigines or

Indigenous People of the State. Table-4 depicts the Foreign Nationals particular!) the Hindu Bengalees. Muslim Bengalees and Non-Bengaii Muslims who were staying in the State during 1901 Census period and it also shows which or what castes orclasses cf Bengalees were present in the State at that time.

TABLE-4; CLASSIFICATION OF HINDU BENGALI AND MUSLIM BENGALI AND NON-BENGALI MUSLISMS WITH POPULATION OF INDEPENDENT STATF 0;" TwTP RA (T'PPEKAH) -1310 T.E.Q 90» A.D.) Pass/Caste i Total Persons i Males ; Females 1 2 3 4 Hindu Bengali

i. Brahman 678 433 ¡95 2. Raidya ¡48 75 3. JCayastha . .70- 1.253 451 -!. S hud ra i .003 "25 77.) 5. Sarut 690 364 32ti <:. Tclee 677 410 207 7. Knmar 45$ 237 221 S. Napit 353 234 1 ¡9 9. Yogi 2.014 1.188 526 10. Kapali 1.755 87S S77 11. Narnasiiudia 3.5 OS i .338 i .670

12. K.iibarta 746 402 . -t ^-f 13. Paaii 703 390 3 i 3 14. Saiia 279 271 s ! 5. Dopa 28! 1 1 - ¡09 Muslim / Muslim Bengali

i.Kaji 6-4 23 !! I. Mu^al 30 I? ¡5 5- Saiyad 98 58 40 4. Paihan 29 16 13 5. Shekii 44.426 24,188 20.2''S 1 2 3 4

.Hindu Bengali + Muslim) 59.719 33.293 2o.396

From the above figure Total Hindu Bengali Population : Persons: 15.072 Males : S.993 Females : 6.079

Tntal Muslim / Muslim Bengali Population : Persons : 44.647 Males : 24.300 Females : 20.317

SOURCCS : Census Bibarnni (Census Repon)—1 310 Tv.ipra Cra ¡'¡".12.;. i lie .Mate oi"J npurs by Tl-akur Sim Somendra Chandra Debbarma. M.A.(Harbard) Census Officer. Senior Na>;;b Imperial Table No. I I(page-150). Published by Census Office. Tripura State Press. Primed Shri Yogesh Bhattacharya. 1343 T.E. 0933 A.D.)

1 ne inflow of migrants or foreign nationals into Twipra (Tripura) is shown in Table-5.

Table-5 Aborigines Population and Foreign nationals of Independent

Twipra (Tpperah) State during 1911 Census.

Place of birth Persons who were staying in ilie State of Twipra 0.ns:de Twipra (Tipperah) during Census Period in 1911 A.D.

Population Males Females

Total i-cpula;!0n (1911 A.D.) 2.29,61 3 ,21,820 1.07.793

{r.i Bardamen Division 163 99 64 t Ba;dai!!L'.n ;S 6 2. 3irvhum 4 j

¡6 24 S.Bakura 32 s 47 4. Madinipur 100 53

70 (B) Presidency Division 195 1. 20 • Pargana 88 65 23 2. Calcutta 4 1 6 3. Nadia IS 12 20 4. Murshidabad 59 39 5. Joshohar 6 17 6. Khoina

23 © R.ajshahi Division 39 16 1. Rajshahi 5 1 15 2. Dinajpur 19 4 3. Jalpaiguri J 1 4. Darjeeling 1 5. Rougpur 6. Pabna 7. Maldaha

662 ip) Dacca Division : 1.902 1.240 515 1. Dacca 1.434 919 72 2. Maimal Shingha 174 102 62 3. Fsrid&pur 229 '¡67 13 4. Bakharganj 65 52

14.860 (E) Chattagram Division : 45.743 30.883 10.606 1. Tripura (Plain) 35.302 24.696 1.645 2. Noakhali 4.759 3.1 14 2.564 3. Chattagram 5.577 3.013 45 4. Hill Tract CrattagiT.r.i 105 60

76.S9 ; {¥) Independent State of Tripura : 1.47.950 71.059 15.191 (G) Other pans of India 33.496 18.303

(H) Native Country and 13.526 Provinces of Bengal 29.606 16.0S0

13.493 (n British ruled Districts of Bangas : 29.512 16.019 S47 [}) Bihar and Orissa : 2.002 1.155

199 (K) Neighbouring Districts 479 . 280 ,i !. Pumia : 3 - O K 2. Sactai Pargana 2!6 132 223 ¡27 96 i -i 16 4. Saleswar 2i J> i 7 l -\

17 (L) Other Districts : 1.523 875 6-18

(M) Assam : 27.506 U.S60 12.646

(N)Nearing Districts : 26.318 14.196 ¡2.122 t. Gowalpara 9 6 3 2. Sylhet 25.549 13.813 11.736 3.LushaiHi!l 760 377 383

(0) Other Districts of Assam 1.188 664 524

(P) Bramadesh 4 4

(.0) Other Districts of Bramadesh : 4 4

S; Native State : 94 61 33

(S) Native States of Bihar and Orissa : S 6 2 1. MajTirvhanj S 6 2

(T) .Assam State 86 55 31

Other Province and Nau\e States of India : 3.890 2.223 ! .667 (V) Districts ruled by British 3.740 2.144 1.59 ). AjmirMaruwar I I 2. Bombay 1 I 3. Maoliyapradesh and Bera 1.341 7o7 5" 4. Madras 1.066 553 51. 5.P=.:;:.iab 50 42 S

(\V) United Province of Agra andAyodda : 1.28! 730 50!

CO Native Slates 150 79 71 1. Bombay States ¡03 56 47 2. Middle India Agency 24 17 7 3. Mahishur Slate 1 - I 4. Rajputana Agency 7 - 7 r.^tares of United Provinces 15 6 9

(Z) Other Countries of Asia : 322 92 30 1. Afganislan 23 23 2. Arab 2 2 3. China 2 - 2 < -n

18 4. Nepal 94 66 28

(AA) Stale Settlement and Malay 1 (AB) Urup : (AC) United States (USA) : 2 (AD) England and Wales I (AE) Scotland ! (AF) Australia : !

Note: According to 1320 T.E. (1911 A.D.} Census Report, the aborigine population is : State of Independent Twipra : 1.47.950 From outside of independent Twipra : 8! .663 1. From British Ruled Bangladesh : 48.042 2. From other pans oflndia : 33.496 3. Frum other Countries i 25

Total : 2.29.613

The inflow of foreign nationals into Twipra (Tipperah) State is shown in Table-6.

TABLE-6: ABORIGINES POPULATION AND FOREIGN NATIONALS OF

INDEPENDENT TWIPRA (TRIPURA) STATE DURING 1921 CENSUS. I

Place of birth j Persons who were staying in the State of Twipr:. Outside Twipra I duriny Census Period in T«2! A.D.

i i;o;;u!;.:;on Males iHe>r:. i

1 2 3

Total Population : 3j_4.^37 1.61.5 ! 5 i.42.922

Districts ruled by British in Banga - ;VU-,i 25.787 20.274

A) Bardaman Dhision 463 2^0 213 i — 3S 1. Bardaman 75 CI ! 2. Birvhum ¡0 7 3 3.Bakura ¡85 iOi 84 4. Medìiìipur 193 !05

19 2 3

(¡3) Presidency Division 79 1. 24 - Pargana 2. Calcutta 16 3. Nadia 10 10 4. Murshidabad 62 30 5. Yosnohar 30 21 9

& Rajshahi Division 44 26 18 1. Rajshahi 5 2. Dinajpur ! 3. Jalpaiguri i 6 4. Darjeeling 6 6 5. Bagura 4 S) 6. Pabna 20 1 7. Maldaha i

(D) Dacca Division 6.799 2.271 I _ u ì. Dacca 2.616 1.580 1.036 2. Maimanshing 764 3S4 380 3. Faridspur 227 174 53 4. Bakhai'ganj Ì92 133 59 {¡2) Chattagram Division 41,628 23.161 1S.4;,7 1. Tripura (Plain) 25.6S5 14.157 ì J .528 2. Noakhali S.583 ^.ù lb 1.707 3. Chattagram 9.891 5.383 4.5 OS 4. Hill Tract Chattagram 1.469 745 724

(F) Independent State in Banga : 2.0S.055 1.08.840 99.2 ! 5 l.Kuchbihar 4 2.Tripma State 2.08.051 1.08.840

;G) Other parts of India 50.093 26.73-

(H) Neighbouring Native Stare and other Provinces of

T-i o —-T Baneadesh. 42.8^0 Ol l ¡9.993

(I) Native States under Bihar and Orissa 729 390 339 1. Pumia 3S 2 i ', 1 2. Saota! Pargana 338 --•'-+ 101 3. Manvhum 276 71 205 4. Shinghavhum 55 49 6 5. Bales war 25 ¡5 ¡0

(JÌ Other Districis 4.348 ,452 ! .896 f

20 (K) Assam 36.978 19.638 17.340

(L) Nearing Districts ; 35.36S 18. II7 15.812 1. Gowaipara 5 3 2 2. Garopahar 3. Sylhe: 33.929 18.1 17 15.812 ¡.434 625 809 3. Lushai Hi]! 1.608 891 717 (M) Other Districts ol" Assam 8 7 ! (N) Bramadesh 809 392 417 (0) Native State

(P) Native States of Bihar 613 307 306 and Orissa 574 291 283 1. Mayurvhanj 39 16 23 2. Other State (Q) Native State under 196 85 111 Assam •£) Other Province and 7.223 3.907 3.316 Native States of India 6.788 3.63! 3.157 (S) Districts ruled by British 70 37 33 !. Ajmir "vfaruwar 77 26 51 2. Bombay 2.227 1.109 l.l IS 3. Madhvapradesh and Bera 5 4 1 4. Delhi" 2.675 1.428 i.247 5. Madras 6. North-West Province 5 1 4 of Horde- 44 1G 2(> 7. t-unjab 5. United Province of 1.685 1.008 677 Agra r-nd Ayoddha : 435 276 159 (T) Nauve States : 189 135 54 1. Bombay States 6S 45 23 2. Middle Ind:r. Ag 114 53 61 3. States of Mauliyaprades!'. 2 1 4. States of Kashmir 4 1 3 x States of Menisci* 6 2 4 6. States of Punjab ¡5 ¡3 2 7. Rajpulana Agency 36 15 i 1 8.States of United Province

(U) Other Countries of As;a 223 102 121 I.Arab 1 3 :. Nepal ( V) State Settlement and Malay (\V) Africa (X) Mishor

Note: According to 1331 T.E.{1921 A.D.) Census Repon. total population in the State of Independent Twipra mcludiny migrated persons : 3.04,437 The Aborigine Population of Independent Twipra : 2.08.051 Migrated persons from outside the Independent Twipra State 96.386 1. From British ruled Bangladesh 46.061 2. From other parts of India 50.093 3. From other Countries : 232

Total 3.04.437

Is bio-7 below will show the inflow of immigrants from different Provinces and States in Tripura during Census period in 1931 A.D.

TABLE-7 IMMIGRATION FROM DIFFERENT PROVINCES / STATES IN TWIPRA (TRIPURA) STATE ÛLTUNG THE CENSUS PERIOD OF 1931 A.D.

Piace cfhinh Persons who were staying in the State of Twipra outside Twipra (Tripura) (Tripura) during Census Period in J 931 A.D.

Total Population : 3.S2.450

1. Ban-ladesh 67.946 2. Assam : 33.262 3. Bihar and Orissa 4.153 4. Madron . 2.166 5. Viadrtyapradesh 1.432 6. Yuktapradesh (United Province) : 2.116 7. Ajmir war • 9 S. Pi-njuj 80 9. Bombay : 82 t0. Inditr. Native States 2.59!

77 11. Вunna 523 12. Other than India I 1

Total Foreign Nationals 1.U.3S3

Total Population 3.82.450 Foreign Nationals (-) I.14.3S3

Total Aborigines Population (1931 A.D.): 2.68.067

Sources: Deb Bamia. Samarendra. Census Report. 1340 Т.Е. (1931 A.D.}, Tripura Government Press. Agartala, 1933, p.22.

TabIe-7 above indicates that not only the Bengalees, but people from other

Provinces also poured in Tripura. However, the fact remains that the Hindu

Bengalees from adjoining districts of Tripura (Plain). Sylhet. Noakhali.

Chittagong. Dacca of the erstwhile East Bengal constituted the major bulk of immigrants in the State. It is also worth mentioning that the inflow of immigrants in the State varied time to time according to development of situation. Whenever any communal disturbances and political unrest occurred in the erstwhile East

Bengal, the rate of inflow accelerated and the State had ю face an exceptional situation by receiving a great influx of refugees particularly after the Indian

Independence (T947 and also after Tripura Merger-¡949). After the nr.rri-iin. j- decade from 1949-1959 A.D.. the total influx of refugees from the erstwhile Fast

Pakistan now Bangladesh figured 3.73.500 and in the year 1904-65 itself 1.00.304 people migrated to Tripura. The total number of immigrants or Displaced Persons who entered in Tripura within the period from 1947 to 1971 A.D. is estimated to be 7,30,017.

Although, prior to the Tripura Merger with Indian Union (1949 A.D.} the

Tripura Kings had to admit the Benglees into the princelv State to run the administration and other services like judiciary, forest education etc.. the averse Resource: (1) Directorate of Rehabilitation. Govt. ofTripura. (2) Siatistical Abstract. I969 A.D. (Annua! Publication). Chapter: XXLI MSC. 22.4 (Page-22l) Flow of Migration (Year wise) of Displaced Persons, published in 19 73 A.D. by Statistical Department. Govt. ofTripura. (3) The Communist \favememafTripura by Sri Pradip Kr. Basu. p. 163. Table-4.

Note: 'Displaced Person' means who has entered into the State ofTripura (India) from East Pakistan, now Bangladesh on or after the 15"' October. 1946 A.D. and also from Western Pakistan on or after \* March 1947. on account of the Civil disturbances or the fear of such disturbances or on account of the setting up of the two Dominions of India and Pakistan.

Table-9 below re\eals the number of Refugees Colonies / Camps set up for the East Pakistani / Bangladeshi Refugees or Displaced Persons (but illegal migrants) during the period from 1948 to 1978 A.D. is 83. This number of

Refugees Camps is just an instance of the same. Besides, there were many places in Tripura where the thousands of refugees illegally and scatteredly settled in the

State.

TABLE-9: NAME OF EAST PAKISTANI / BANGLADESH! REFUGEES CAMPS (DIVISION WISE) FROM 1948 A.D. TO 1978 A.D. IN THE STATE OF TWIPRA (TRIPURA). INDIA:

Name of Divisions No. of Refugee Camps Name of Refugee Colonies

1 3

I . - , U V •.. m i. Sui-.^niu Colony 2. Najrui Colony 3. Netaji Colony 4. Vidhyasagar Colony 5. Ramnagar Colony (Bariala) 6. Hapania Colony (Ishanc hand ran agar) 7. Anandanagar/ Jogendranagar Colony 8. Lelin Colony (Aralia / Jogendranagar) 9. Gaku'na^ar' Kamalasagai 1 i). Goutani Yhumihin Colony 11. Dakshin (South) Champamura Colony 12. Telacharan Colony 13. Madhuban Colony 14. Pravapur Colony ¡5. Dakshu (South) Charilam Colony 16. Khas Ma:-;iuban Colony

26 ]

I 7. Rajnagar Purathal Colon) 18. Taranagar Colony [9. Kalkalia Colony 20. Mohanpur Colony 21. Laksman Singhamuia Colony 22. Mandwi (Mandai) Colony 23. Nayichata Nutanbari Colon} 2-1. Fatikray Refugee Camp 25. / Jisamia Refugee camp 26. Nutannagar Refugee Camp (1) 27. Champamani Refugee Camp 28. Adliamianik Refugee Camp 29. Badha Refugee Camp 30. North Charilam Refugee Camp 3!. Champaknagar Refugee Camp 32. Nutannaaar Refugee Camp (2) 33. Refugee Camp Para 34. Badharghat Refugee Camp

2. Khovvai I. Ganaki Grihahin (Homeless) Colon}

3. Sonamura 1. Sonamura Coionv

1

4. Dharmanasar 1. Dewanpasa Grihahin (Homeless) Colony 2. Boruakandi Colony (1) 3. Horowa Colony 4. Boruakandi Colony (2)

2. JndLraiiagar Cc!on> 3. Irani Colony 4. Yubarajnaga: Colony 5. Pakhirbasa Colony 6. Bar.guwati Colony 7. Hiraehara Colony 8. Dhaliarkandi Colony 9.1.etapam Colony 10. .iolai Colon} 1!. Vhigaramnagar Colors 12. Kaolikura Coiony i 3. Birchandranagar Colony 14. Dhanbiiash Colony 15. fultati Co!on\

27 1

(6. Clihamaii Colony 1 7. Krishnanayar Colon; 18. Kumarghat Colon; ! 9. Pabiachara Colony 20. Kanchanbari Colony 21. Sukanta Colony

6. Kamalpur 1. Kachuvvachaia Colon; 2. Ambassa Colony j. Kaimachara Colon; 4.1 larerkhola Colony 5. MahabirCoIony(l) 6. Apai"esh Kar Colony 7. Kanchanpur Colony 8. Naliacbara Colony 9. Mahabir Colony (2) 7.Belonia 1 1. Dakshin (South) Vharatchandranagar Colon;

8. Amarpur 1 1. Shankar palli Grihahin (Homeless) Colon> 9. Udaipur 1 I 1. Town (Udaipur; Co!on>- 2. Mnrantiln Giihahin (Homeless) Colon;, j. L'rtar Maharani Grihahin Colon;

4. Gangapara Grihahin Colony 5. Anuku! Smriri Colon;. 6. Sora\ numi; a Siren Colon; 7. \ani; an Colon; S. U.K. Grihahin Colony {11 9. iCii. Gii.'.aiiin Colun; 10. R.i-;. Grihahin Colony (3) 11. Cora1, lumiiya Madhya Pam Cciou;

j rj. Sabroom 1 1 • Pachim (West) Joiefa Colony

Sources: 1. Series. Vill-Vol. Ii. Assembly Proceedings. Official Repon. .^'Tripura Legislative Assembly. Ma; 30. 1985 (Page- 135 - 139',. 2. Report Published on Assembly Proceeding-, Official Report. Series -XIV-Vol-i. Tripura Legislative Assembly. March 10. I 987 '.Page- 4-5).

Decadcwise population of Tripura State including illegal migrants/foreign nationals during 1941-1971 is shown in detail in ,:.e following tables.

28 T:ilife-ГА: Decadal Vjinafiuri in Population unit (lie i'eicctita^e "I Al.mt^iius. IIMIIJIH Ня:;;.ч. I,, ;i.nl l'oiii

Yin-r Total Total popu- Variation Aborigines Indian Foreigners Aborigiiii' • Aborigines Indians bul l'oieimier:./ Population Intion except in population nationals / !o the lol.ii In Ihc tola! nnn-fihori- db'pki-i'd Foreigners/ percantage but displaced ol" the Slale except 11ic gines ol peiuon.-: to displaced imn-ahori- population (%) foreigners/ llie Slak' Ihc lola! population gincs of displaced to the total O) llie Slate persons {%) 1%)

7 If)

1941 5,13,010 3.18.359 ,94.651 62.05 37.4- 19:1 6,39.02o 4,55.028 24.56 3.10,946 1,44082 .84.000 48.6:. 22.54

Sources; I. Debbaima, Samaiciidra, Census Bi&inmi (Census Report) - 13)0. YM (I l>31 A.D). Гпрша Government Press. Independent I'wipta (Tnpiira) Stale. 2. /Vic Tribes of Tripura, op. tit. Appendix 8 and also in llhattach.iiya. Л.К., Tripimi - A I't-rtiatt и/ Popuhition (compiled lioni Census of India, P>7I A.D.). Govt oF India. .3 b'livastava, S.C., Dumagruptiic Profile njNorth East InJiu. forwarded bj U.K. llo> Uurnnm. Mill;i) Publici.tiuHs. Delhi. 19.47.

Note: (I) The term 'Aborigines' or 'Indigenous People' mentioned in (lie population table means those people who have been ]i\ ing in the Slate of Twipra Iroin time immemorial are the sons of llie soil or first settlers of ihe land; aie tlic rulers in Independent Twipt.: in the Pie-Merger period. Mn'\ are (lie i Indigenous People of Twipra. All llie speaking people such as 13 ru (Keang) Debbanna, .laniatia.Koloy, Muiasing, Rupini, Tripura. and ,uud the oilier language speaking group such as Uongclier, Cliorai, Darlong. I latum,! hangkhawl. kaipeng, Mo;-. Molsoin. and Rangloiig.and ;iImi Garo. Lesluii, Chakma, kuki,, Mciies (Manipiuri) etc. are the Aborigines or Indigenous People of Twipra..

(2) During ihc peiiod from I'Ml - I "51 A.D., 'Indian Nationals' means those persons who entered I wipra Suie in llie I're-Merget period of 1 wipra i.';. from 1872 - 15th October I'M" A.D. but except lliosc Bangladeshis who ('Displaced Persons') came to Twipia al'tci October IV-lo A.D Hindu Bengalees (Urahman, IJaidya, Kayastha. Shudra, llarui, Telec, Kamar. Napit, Yogi, Kapali, Namashudia. Kaiburla, Paini, Saha, Dopa etc.), Muslim Ik-ngalees, Muslims (K.tji. Mngul, Saiyad, Palhan. Shckh etc.),Hiniliwala.Ncpali.Oriya, Bete. Kaimi (Bhonii/). Gor. Assamese, 1 lidmvala. Maraliii, Punjabi. Sindi. Saulal. Mailji .S.uua. Khar, kanarese, Gujarat i. Telegu, Kuli, Kinido, Gondri. Maclraji, etc were Healed as Foreign National, or Nou-Aborigines ol'Tv.ipia in the I're- M.iger peiiod particularly liom 1872-October I'MFI and lliey may be nislifiahly considered to be 'Indi.ui Nationals' in the present coiilext.Thus. only these peupU i.il'ljoijgh the) came to Twipia from outside the Stale), are very much feasible lo be < misidered citizens of out unintrs and they are very much Indians in ihe present context. I ("i Di.plated Person' mean;; who has entered inlo the Slate of I ripura (India) from Past Pakistan, now Bangladesh on oi after llie I V!' October l'J-16 A D on account (£ ii.il disinilvame'. m the le.u of such disturbances oi on accoool of the •.etlii",' 'ip ill die i wi > Dominions of Ind.a and Pakistan Table 12: Decadal Variation in Population and the Percentage ol' Aborigines, Indian National;, and lrurci«ncrs / Displaced Persons of IVipra (Tiinuiii) (fioni 1961 - 1971 A.D.).

Y;ILT Total Total popu- Variation Aborigines/ Indian Foreigners Aborigines Aborigines Indians hut Foreigners/ Population lation except in Tubal nationals / to the tola! lo ilie total non-abort- displaced Foreigners/ percentage population but displaced of llie Slate except the glues of persons lo displaced noii-abori- population (%) lin. kners/ the Slate the total population gincsof displaced to thc'total (%) the Stale persons (%)

12 3 4 5 6 7 8 ••) II) II

I%1 1 1,-12,005 5,5-1.251 78.71 3.60,0 70 l.'M.IKI 5.87.75-1 3 1.53 ol.<>7 17.00 51/17

iyi 15.56,342 8,20.325 36.28 4,50,5-1 I 3.75.781 7.30,017 28.05 s |.52 2-16.01

Sources: 1. Debbarma, Sainarcndra. Census iJibaniui (Census Report i - 1340 .T.I- (193 I A.!").). I r'-:ii;i (iovernnieui Press, Independent I uipra (Tripura) Slate. 2. Ilic Tribes oj Tripura, op. cil.. Appendix 8 and also in Riiallacliarva, A.K., Tripura - A Portrait of Papulation (compiled from Census of India, 1971 A.IX), Govt, of India.

.3. Siiyastava, S.C., Dfiiui^rnplik Profile of North Hast bulla, lorwanled In U.K. Koy liurinan. Milial Publicalions. Delhi. I9S7.

Note: (I) The term 'Aborigines' or 'Indigenous People' mentioned in the population table means tin we people who have been living in the Slate ol'Twipra from lime immemorial are llie sons of the soil or liisl settlers of the land; are the HILTS in independent Tw ipra in the Pre- Miiger pcriod.They are the Indigenous People ol'Twipra. All the Ki.kborok speaking people such as V-\u (Reung) Debbamia, .laina'n, Kuloy, Murasing, Rtipini, "I'ripura and Uchoi, and the oilier language speaking group such as lJongcher. f honii. Darlong. I lalam, I Iran^kliawl, Kaipeng. Mog, Molsom, and .and also (iaro.l ushai. Chalana, Kid.i,, Meiics (Mauipi'.u i) ,.tc .ire the Aborigines or Indiuenous People ol'Twipra.. 'CuIdi' 11: Di'i'Jiiliil Yanuliiin in l'opu lutimi ami ilie l'erci'iila^e oi All'iridiii'."^, hitliiiii iSalìni-ul imi l'orci ;IIIIS / ì)i«pi:u<

Ya.r Total lolal popu- Variation Aborigines/ Indian I'oivijinccs Alwri;'.inc> Ah• • ^.ne.. l.nlt.ms but K-vigneW Population lation except in Tribal nationals / to I lie luial l:s :!:••-• total non-aburi- displaced Foreigners/ percentage population but displaced of the Si•'(•; ex-.vpi the "hies of persons lu displaced non-abmi- populaiion (%) roic'Lineis/ I lie Stale llr. lolal population gincsof di.j'laeed to the luial {%) the Slale iKV'.ons {%) i.VvL

I 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 I

1951 6.39,028 4.55.028 24.56 3,10,946 1,44,082 1,84.000 48.65 i.i 22.54 'JS.79

1961 11,42.005 5,54.251 78.71 3,6(1,070 1,94.181 5,87.754 31.53 (.4.97 17.00 51.47

I jSourct's: I. Debbanmi, Samareiiilra, Census Uibarani (Census Report) - 1340 T.K (193 I A.I).), hipm-i Go'.-enmieni Press. Independent I'uipia I (Tripura) Stale. . 2. 'The Tribes of Tripura, op. cil.. Appendix 8 and also in Bhaltaeluuya. A.K., Tripura - A Purtvatl of Population (compiled from Census oi' India, 1971 A.D.), Govt, of India.

.3. Siivaslavn, S.C.. Demographic Profile of North East hhiia. Ibi warded by B !<.. Ko\ Biirm.in, Min; i I'ubii. alions. Delhi. 19X7

Note (11 The lei'in ' Abovigincs' oi 'Indigenous People' mentioned in ihe population lable means ilio -e people v\lio have been living in 1 in­ stale ofTvvipra Ironi time immemorial arc the sons of the soil or Hi si settlers of the land; are (he rv.K r; in Independent Twipra in the IVe- ; Merger period.Tliey .ire the Indigenous People of Twipra. All the Kokhornk -peaking people suoli ;r. lini (Ke;>n;',) I iebhamia. Juniatia. I Kolov.M musing, Kupini, I riponi and Uelioi. and the oilier language speaking groupjsucli as Bom;ihu, < "hoi ai, Dai Ion;;, 11 a lain. I liangkhaul. kaipeng, Mog, Molsom. and Kangloug.and also (iaro.Lushai, Chakina. Kiiki. . Muites (Manipriiri) etc. aie the A boi i .nines or Indiyenous j People of Twipra.

i I TabIe-10 shows that the total number of population of the State during 1951

Census is 6.39.028. \ariation in percentage is 24.56. total Aborigines population is

3.10.946, total Indian Nationals 1.44.082. total number of Foreigners/Displaced

Persons/Illegal Migrants is 1.84.000. percentages of Aborigines population to the total population and to the total population except the Illegal Migrants are 48.65 and 68.33 respectively.

Table-ll reveals that the total number of population of the State during 1961

Census is 11.42.005. variation in percentage is 7S.71. total Aborigines population is 3,60,070, total Indian Nationals 1,94,181. total number of Foreigners/Displaced

Persons/Illegal Migrants is 5.87,754. percentages of Aborigines population to the total population and to the total population except the Illegal Migrants are 31.53 and 64.97 respectively.

Table-12 depicts the picture of population in the State during 1971 Census stating that the total number of population of the State during i97i Census is

15.56.3-i2. variation in percentage is 36.28. rotal Aborigines popvlaiion is

4,50.544, total Indian Nationals 3.88.601. total number of Foreigners.'Displaced

Persons/Illegal Migrants is 7.30.017. percentages of Aborigines population to the total population and to the total population except the Illegal Migrants are 28.95 and 54.52 respectively.

32 It may not be out of place to mention here a few lines about Tripura Merger with Indian Dominion in connection with the flow of Illegal Migrants into Tripura and the national commitment of safeguards to the North-East people particularly the Aborigines (sons of the soil) of the State of Tripura. The State of Tripura was one of the ancient princely states of the world. According to the *Rajmala\ or the

Chronicles of Tripura was ruled continuously by as many as 184 TrtpurLBorok

(treated as 'Tribal' from 1956) kings with sovereign and independent status prior to its merger with the Indian Union (1949 A.D.). the last king being Bir Bikram

Kishore Manikya Bahadur Debbarma. His successor Kirit Bikram Debbarma was a minor and only 33 years at that time, is still living today as a living Royal Symbol of Twipra (Tripura) history. King Bir Bikram died in 1947 A.D. Then. Council of

Regency was formed to run the administration under the Presidentship of Queen

Kanchanprava Devi, mother of Kirit Bikram. Within few months after the unnatural demise of King Bir Bikram Kishore. Tripura faced a great crisis and there was a threat both from internal and external forces. The president of the

Council of Regency was under severe pressure and was bound to opt to join the

Indian Union. In the meantime, the queen on the advice of the Government of

India had to dissolve the Council cc Regency ?.r.d h:._::me herself :is -.!••:

Regent on 12U1 January 1948. and after about more than a year she had to sign the

Tripura Merger Agreement on 9lh September 1949. Thereafter. Tripura became a part of Indian Union from 15th October 1949 A.D. and was administered by rhe

Chief Commissioner as a 'C category state.

Mention may be made here that Sadar Ballabhai Pate!, the then Minister of

Home of Affairs, gave the following message on the occasion of tfie Merger of

Tripura on 15th Oct. 1949 A.D.

33 "The State of Tripura, with the isolated situation yet occupying a position of strategic importance of the Easter borders of India, has an ancient history and a rich culture. The partition of the country has. however, brought in each train for this small State a host of problems, which, in the present State of its development was impossible for it to solve on its own resources. The State has potentialities and the sources, which it tapped and properly exploited, would be an asset to the country. For all these reasons, the Government of India and Her Highness, the

Maharani Regent acting on behalf the Minor Ruler, came to the conclusion thai in the interest of the welfare of the State and of the country as a whole, it was essential that the Centre should make itself directly responsible for its administration and its well being. I am most grateful to Her Highness for having come to this agreement. Her was not any easy task in the peculiar circumstances in which she found herself. I am sure that providence will reward her for the courage and boldness with which she has taken this decision. To the people of Tripura. I can only say this: though far (and remote) from the capita! city of the country, v. ill always claim our attention and we shall do our best to ensure mat its link and connection with the main land are strengthened and it comes nearer to us. They v-.'ill not stand-alone to battle with the manifold problems that corfront them. They will have the resources and the assistance of the Centre on which they can count.

'With their cooperation and help we hope that we shall deal with their problems efficiently and effectively. May God bless our joint effort with success." (Ref.:

Sadar Patel's Correspondence - Vol-8, p-530-531).

RECOMMENDATIONS

(1) Migration / Illegal infiltration of population outside of India into Tripura State must be reviewed right from I 5,!' October 1949 onwards in proper perspective

34 taking into account of ail facts and circumstances as incorporated and presented hereabove.

(2) Illegal migrants so detected from 15lh October 1949 to till date in Tripura State must be debarred from Indian Citizenship Certificate and must be given only

Refugee Status. They may be allowed to sta> in India as Stateless Citizens with no voting right nor the right to acquire immovable property.

(3) The population so identified with Refugee Status, must be deported in other

States of Indian Union proportion to Tripura State making a case of National Issue.

(4) The National Register of citizens should be updated and computerized. A separate register of Stateless Citizens should also be maintained

(5) Illegal Migrants who have infiltrated on or after 25'" March 1971 should not be given Refugee Status and must be deported to their original home State/Country.

(6) Illegal Migrants who came to Twipra (Tripura) prior to \5VA Oct. 1949. including those amongst them «Aho.se name appeared on the first electoral rolls used in Lok Sabha General election, should be regularized.

(7) Foreigners who came to Twipra (Tripura) after 1949. and upto till date should be detected in accordance with the Provisions of die Foreigners Ac; ¡946.

(8) Names of foreigners so detected should be deleted from the electoral ro!U in force.

(9) Illegal Migrants who were expelled earlier, but have since re-entered illegally into Twipra (Tripura) should be expel'ed.

(10) Foreigners who came to Twipra (Tripura) after first list of electoral rolls for

General Election should be continued to be detected, deleted and expelled in accordance with law.

(31) Constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards, as may be appropriate, should be provided to protect, preserve and promote the cultural.

35 social and linguistic identity and heritage of the Indigenous or tribal people of

Twipra (Tripura).

(12) The Central Government should arrange for the issue of Citizenship

Certificate in future only by the authorities of the Central Government.

(13) Specific complaints that may be made by the all Oorok (Tripuri) based organizations about irregular issuance of Indian Citizenship Certificate should be looked into by the Central Government.

(14) The International Boarder should be made secure against present and future infiltration by erection of physical barriers like walls, barbed wire fencing and other obstacles at appropriate places.

(15) It should be ensured that relevant laws for prevention of encroachment of

Government lands and lands in Twipra Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council

(TTAADC) areas and Blocks are strictly enforced and unauthorized encroachers should be evicted.

(16) It should be ensured that relevant laws restricting acquisition, allotment a;"d occupying of immovable properties by illegal infiltrators (Foreigners) in Twipra

(Tripura) should be strictly enforced.

(17) It should be ensured that Birth and Death Register should duly be r.-.aintained by Government of Twipra (Tripura) and the author ity of TfAADC.

Note: Recommendations .' views apart from the ahove ones may he furnished later at the time of' oral evidence, if necessary. SUGGESTIONS

In the Illegal Migration Laws (Repealing and Amendment) Bill. 2003. the following amendments may kindly be considered for incorporation:

(I) The Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act. 1950. should be amended with the Nomenclature "The immigrants (Expulsion from Assam and Tripura) Act.

2003.

36 (2) In Chapter -III of the Bill, the word "Tripura" should be inserted following the word "Assam" wherever appeared in all sections and sub-secuons.

(3) Text of the Objectives and Reasons should therefore be suitably amended keeping in view of the suggestion put forward in items 1 and 2. ***** *************