“Our population in the Northeast is very small; even a limited influx can overrun locals, unlike those in larger states,” stated the titular king of Tripura and founder of the Tripura Motha Party, Pradyot Manikya Deb Barma, on Saturday in Imphal, cautioning that any unchecked population influx can lead to demographic imbalance in the region, inviting “troubled times” ahead.
Pradyot Manikya Deb Barma, who attended the ‘International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2025’ observance as chief guest at City Convention, Imphal, also said in his address that illegal settlers, once allowed to stay, often acquire documents to legitimize their stay, such as voter IDs and other official documents. He also cited instances in Assam, some parts of Meghalaya, Dimapur in Nagaland, and Manipur.
The event, organised by the Indigenous People’s Forum, Manipur (IPFM), under the aegis of the North East Indigenous People’s Forum (NEIPF), was attended by prominent leaders and personalities from across the region. It adopted a declaration pledging unity against illegal immigration and the drug menace, as well as a commitment to protect ancestral lands, cultural heritage, and Indigenous rights.
Signatories included NEIPF Chairman Anup Chetia, NEIPF President Dr. Lina Tlang, leaders from Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, and Manipur, NEIPF executives, and IPFM President-in-Charge Rohan Philem.
