Denying the allegation of Vishwa Hindu Parishad international working president Pravin Togadia on ‘illegal immigration from Bangladesh’, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar said that the population growth rate of Tripura as per census report has come down to 14 per cent from 34 per cent, reports Indian news media.

‘The last census report confirmed that the population growth rate stands at 14 per cent whereas earlier it was 34 per cent. How can Togadia allege of illegal migration from Bangladesh without knowing the statistics? I assure that there is no illegal immigration here,’ Sarkar said during a programme in Agartala.

The North East Today quotes Manik saying, ‘Togadia’s statement can invite unrest in Tripura and also poison the relationship between the state and the neighbouring country of Bangladesh.’

‘Though there is barbed wire fence between Tripura and Bangladesh, the relation between Tripura and Bangladesh is warm. But Togadia’s communal statement can bring unrest in the state,’ Sarkar said.

Earlier, Pravin Togadia, during his last visit in Agartala, said that If any Bangladeshi Muslim immigrants claim for the country’s citizenship, they should first undergo genetic test to prove they had Indian ancestors.