Bangladeshi Infiltration and Demographic Shift in
Jharkhand’s Tribal Belt
Santhal Pargana: A Region Under Threat
The Santhal Pargana region, encompassing
Pakur, Sahibganj, Godda, Jamtara, Dumka, and Deoghar, is experiencing a
significant demographic transformation due to the continuous influx of illegal
Bangladeshi immigrants. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has repeatedly raised
concerns about this issue in the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly, demanding the
implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) to identify and
deport illegal settlers.
Historically, the Santhal tribe settled in the
Rajmahal Hills during the 18th century and played a pivotal role in resisting
British rule, most notably in the 1855 Santhal Rebellion, which preceded the
1857 Revolt. The Santhals have long upheld the principle of not selling their
land to non-tribals. However, the demographic influx now poses a severe threat
to their cultural identity and traditional land ownership.
Special Branch Report Confirms Infiltration
A classified letter from the Special Branch of
the Jharkhand government, accessed by CNN-News18, has confirmed
large-scale illegal entry of Bangladeshi nationals into Santhal Pargana and
other parts of Jharkhand.
The report outlines a systematic process:
illegal immigrants are first sheltered in local madrasas, then registered as
voters, and later integrated into society. A commonly observed strategy
involves their marriage to tribal women, which provides them indirect ownership
of tribal land through in-laws.
Ground Investigation: The Reality on the
Ground
An on-ground investigation by CNN-News18
across the Santhal Pargana region uncovered unsettling realities. In Godda,
groups of Bengali-speaking truck drivers were found gathering at roadside
eateries late at night. The eatery’s owner confirmed that they were
Bangladeshis residing in Pakur district and were regular customers, though he
was unaware of how they had obtained driving licenses.
When questioned about the Special Branch
report, Pakur Superintendent of Police Hrudeep P. Janardhanan acknowledged the
problem. He stated,
"We received a letter regarding the influx of Bangladeshis. This issue
has resurfaced repeatedly. While we face certain limitations, we are working
with the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Foreigners Registration Office (FRRO)
to address it."
Religious Institutions and Changing
Demographics
Pakur, which shares a border with West
Bengal’s Murshidabad district, has witnessed a rapid increase in the number of
madrasas and mosques across both urban and rural areas. An RTI query revealed
that Sahibganj alone has 43 state-funded madrasas.
Census data further highlights the shifting
demographics:
Between 2001 and 2011, Jharkhand’s overall
Muslim population grew by 14%, nearly matching the 14.2% growth
of the Santhal population.
In Pakur, the Muslim population surged by 42%,
while the Santhal population increased by only 19.51%.
In Sahibganj, the Muslim population rose by 37%,
whereas the Santhal population grew by just 10.8%.
Migration and Infiltration Routes
The porous land and riverine borders between
India and Bangladesh facilitate illegal infiltration. Once inside India,
infiltrators disperse across states using multiple routes:
Via Road: Many enter
Jharkhand through Pakur by crossing from Murshidabad in West Bengal.
Via Rail: Upon
reaching Pakur or Sahibganj, they board trains to different parts of Jharkhand.
Via River: Some
infiltrators cross the Ganga from Sahibganj by boat to reach Katihar in Bihar.
Political Reactions and NRC Demands
The issue has triggered a major political
debate. BJP leaders have accused the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the
Congress-led state government of ignoring the problem.
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey alleged:
"Bangladeshi infiltrators are grabbing land, marrying tribal women, and
converting them. This has led to a decline in the tribal population and a rise
in the Muslim population."
Sahibganj BJP MLA Anant Ojha echoed similar
concerns, stating:
"Since the 1990s, a visible demographic shift has taken place. In Udhwa
block alone, eight new panchayats have been created, all with a Muslim
majority."
He further demanded an NRC based on the
1951 Census and 1952 voter list to identify illegal immigrants.
On the other hand, JMM leaders have dismissed
these claims, asserting that the BJP is using the issue for political mileage.
However, BJP leaders argue that while border fencing is effective, river
crossings remain a major challenge. They emphasize the need for penalizing
locals who shelter illegal immigrants and reiterate their call for an NRC in
the region.
Tribal Concerns Over Identity and Land Rights
Santhal activist Neeraj Hembrom expressed
grave concerns over illegal land acquisition through fraudulent documentation.
He pointed out,
"Most illegal immigrants lack proof of residence dating back 30-40
years. Yet, they possess voter IDs and Aadhaar cards."
He highlighted the drastic demographic
transformation in the Rajmahal constituency:
In 2008, the Bangladeshi Muslim population was
19%; today, it stands at nearly 40%.
Meanwhile, the tribal population has dropped
from 61% to 40%.
He attributed this change to high fertility
rates among Bangladeshi Muslims and continued infiltration from Bangladesh,
warning that population control measures disproportionately affect tribals,
further accelerating the demographic shift.
Legal Action: PIL in Ranchi High Court
Activist Danyaal Danish has filed a Public
Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Ranchi High Court, urging the state to
take action against illegal infiltration and its impact on Jharkhand’s tribal
demography. The petition also seeks an inquiry into the illegal construction
of madrasas and other religious institutions.
The court has admitted the PIL and directed
the state government to submit a report .
An Urgent Need for Action
The unchecked influx of Bangladeshi nationals
into Jharkhand’s Santhal Pargana region is rapidly altering the demographic
landscape, threatening the identity, culture, and land rights of
indigenous tribal communities.
While political parties continue their blame
game, the core issues—illegal land encroachment, forced demographic
change, and the proliferation of religious institutions—remain largely unaddressed.
With the Ranchi High Court’s intervention
and increasing public outcry, the demand for Stronger border security,Implementation
of the NRC, andStricter action against those facilitating illegal
migration. . The future of Jharkhand’s tribal communities hinges on decisive
governance and proactive measures to prevent irreversible demographic
transformation.
The issue of illegal immigration from
Bangladesh into India the primary focus has historically been on the eastern
border states, concerns have arisen regarding the spread of this issue to other
regions of India.
Traditional Focus (West Bengal, Assam,
Tripura, Meghalaya):
The primary areas of concern have
traditionally been the states bordering Bangladesh, due to the porous nature of
the border.
Bangladeshi Infiltration in Various Indian
States:
Uttarakhand:
Concerns have been raised regarding the
presence of Bangladeshi migrants in areas like Dehradun and Haridwar, often
working in informal sectors. The relative proximity to Delhi and other major
cities acts as a pull factor.
Maharashtra:
Major cities like Mumbai and Pune have seen an
influx of migrants from various parts of India, including those suspected to be
illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, seeking employment opportunities.
Kerala:
The state's high literacy rate and relatively
better economic conditions have attracted migrant workers from various parts of
India and neighboring countries. Concerns exist about the identification and
verification of these migrants.
Bihar and Jharkhand:
These states share a border with West Bengal,
which acts as a transit point. This geographical proximity, and the economic
conditions of these states, makes it easier for the migrants to blend in.
Tamil Nadu:
Chennai and other industrial areas in Tamil
Nadu are also attracting migrant workers, and there are concerns about the
possible presence of illegal immigrants within these groups.
Odisha:
Coastal districts of Odisha have become
vulnerable due to sea route infiltration. Furthermore, Major cities like
Bhubaneshwar and Cuttack are having migrant workers from all over india, and
from neighboring countries.
Factors Contributing to Spread:
Economic opportunities: Migrants seek better livelihood options in urban centers.
Network of agents: Organized networks facilitate illegal entry and provide support.
Document fabrication: The creation of false documents to establish Indian citizenship.
Lack of strict verification: Inconsistent or inadequate verification processes for migrant workers.
Counter
Measures to Counter Demographic Invasion In Hinterland.
Improving Identification and Verification:
·
Implementation of a robust national
citizenship register.
·
Mandatory verification of migrant workers,
especially in urban areas.
·
Use of biometric data for identification.
·
Aadhaar card verification improvement.
Addressing Document Fraud:
·
Stricter enforcement of laws against document
forgery.
·
Centralized database for document
verification.
·
Regular audits of document issuance processes.
Combating Organized Networks:
·
Intelligence gathering and targeted operations
against human trafficking networks.
·
International cooperation to address
cross-border crime.
Addressing Socio-Economic Factors:
·
Improving economic opportunities in border
areas to reduce the incentive for migration.
·
Addressing the root causes of migration in
Bangladesh.
Legal and Administrative Measures:
·
Streamlining the process for identifying and
deporting illegal immigrants.
·
Strengthening laws against harboring illegal
immigrants.
·
Better cooperation between central and state
governments.
·
Creating a national level immigration law.
Public Awareness:
·
Educating the public about the dangers of
illegal immigration.
·
Promoting responsible reporting of suspected
illegal activities.
Coordination with Local Administration:
·
Improving the coordination between BSF and
local civil administrations.
·
Strengthening the local intelligence.
·
Increase the accountability of local
officials.
It's crucial to address this issue with a
comprehensive and coordinated approach, involving all levels of government and
society.
What Else Can Be Done
Illegal immigration
poses a severe internal security threat, as many migrants have links to
jihadist elements. Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and
Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) exploit these
migrants for disruptive activities.
International Legal
Framework
Several international
protocols address illegal migration and related threats:
- UN
Protocol Against Smuggling of Migrants
- UN
Protocol on the Prevention of Illicit Manufacturing and Trafficking of
Firearms:
Pakistan and China strongly oppose applying this to state-to-state
transactions.
- International
Regulations on Madrassa Establishments: There is a need for global
oversight on the funding and curriculum of madrassas to prevent
radicalization.
Legal and Policy
Measures
Repealing the Illegal
Migration Determination Tribunal (IMDT) Act, 1983
- Under
the current law, two individuals within a 3 km radius must file a
complaint and pay Rs. 25 to initiate the detection process.
- Complainants
must reside in the same police station jurisdiction.
- Police
lack the authority to detain, arrest, or search suspected illegal
migrants.
- The
burden of proof lies on the complainant and the police, making enforcement
highly ineffective.
Proposed Amendments
- The
Illegal Migrants Act should be revised to streamline the identification
process.
- Once
identified by two individuals, the suspect must report to the nearest
police station to prove their bona fides.
- Police
must be granted additional powers for detainment and investigation.
- The
base year for detection should be 1971, as per the Indira-Mujib
Pact of 1972.
Remedial Measures to
Counter Demographic Invasion
- Strengthening
Border Policing:
Enhancing surveillance, fencing, and border control measures.
- National
Identity Card Implementation: Ensuring biometric identification to
track illegal immigrants.
- Encouraging
Research on Immigration Trends: Data-driven approaches to manage illegal
migration.
- Evaluation
of Inner Line Permit System: Examining its applicability to sensitive
border states.
- Introduction
of Temporary Work Permits: Providing controlled employment
opportunities while restricting citizenship rights.
Political and
Administrative Measures
- White
Paper on Illegal Immigration: A committee under the Union Home
Ministry should document and analyze migration patterns.
- Sensitization
of Local Administration: Officials in border states must be trained
on the impact of unchecked immigration.
- Strict
Action Against Vote Bank Politics: Public awareness campaigns and vigilant
media coverage are essential to curb political manipulation of migrants.
- Monitoring
Voter Lists:
A special body under the Election Commission should scrutinize voter list
expansions in Assam and West Bengal.
- Granting
‘Denizen’ Status:
Migrants who have settled in Assam can be granted limited rights,
including work permits and healthcare, without voting privileges.
Identification and
Documentation
- Multipurpose
Photo ID Cards:
Mandatory identification for all residents.
- Effective
Registration of Births and Deaths: Preventing fraudulent citizenship
claims.
- Denial
of Voting Rights to Illegal Migrants and Their Descendants.
- Ground
Survey Teams:
Conducting on-the-ground identification of illegal migrants.
- Stateless
Citizen Status:
Implementing a policy similar to Germany’s treatment of Turkish migrants.
Security Measures
- Enhanced
Professionalism in the BSF: Training and better incentives to
prevent corruption.
- Completion
of Border Fencing: Special attention to riverine areas.
- Floodlighting
and Road Development: Enabling better patrolling.
- Advanced
Surveillance Technology: Integrating modern surveillance tools.
- Ongoing
Dialogue with Bangladesh: Ensuring cooperation on insurgent
activities.
- Monitoring
Local Politician-Insurgent Links: A third-party watchdog to oversee
political affiliations.
- Creation
of Security Belts Along the Border: Establishing restricted zones to prevent
infiltration.
- Relocation
of Border Outposts and Police Stations.
Riverine Border Patrols
- Floating
Border Outposts (BOPs)
- Helicopter
Surveillance
- Mandatory
Registration of Private Boats
Population Control
Measures
- Formation
of Village Defense Committees
- Implementation
of Inner Line Permits
- Periodic
and Special Verifications
- Encouraging
Citizens to Report Illegal Settlements
- Identification
and Tracking of Smugglers
Surveillance on
Officials and Politicians
- Commanders
to Monitor Their Subordinates’ Activities
- Encouraging
Reporting of Suspicious Contacts
- Discreet
Oversight on Suspected Personnel
- Periodic
Background Checks for Officials in Border Areas
- Monitoring
Unusual Financial Activities
Nationwide Measures
- Public
Awareness Campaigns: Unifying citizens against illegal immigration.
- Boycotting
Political Parties Practicing Vote Bank Politics.
- Educational
Initiatives:
Engaging intellectuals, media, and common citizens.
- Solidarity
Messages to the Northeast: Reinforcing national unity.
- Implementation
of UN Protocols Against Migrant Smuggling.
- International
Oversight on Madrassa Establishments.
By implementing these
measures, India can effectively counter illegal migration, safeguard national
security, and maintain demographic stability in its border regions.
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