The issue of illegal infiltration from Bangladesh has dominated elections over decades in eastern Indian states. In the ongoing assembly elections in Jharkhand, it has emerged as a pivotal point. The main opposition party has levelled allegations of demographic change in the state’s tribal areas, and demanded deportation of illegal immigrants. The issue has its roots in the Bangladesh liberation war of 1971. Millions fled East Pakistan and landed in India.
The Indian government accepted these refugees and gave them residency permits. But in addition to the wartime influx, illegal migration from Bangladesh has been going on over the years, mostly for economic reasons. The decades-long influx of refugees, displaced persons and infiltrators has blurred the lines between legal and illegal immigrants. The migration has resulted in demographic change in states such as Assam, Tripura and West Bengal, resulting in tensions over resources, cultural identity, jobs, services and political representation.
Illegal migration is not only a subject for political slugfest but also a national security concern. The new census exercise presents the government an opportunity to examine the blurred lines between legal and illegal. It can become an important step in determining the extent of illegal migration and developing strategies to combat it. It can help verify the status of individuals by cross-referencing documents related to place of birth, period of residence and others.
While verifying citizenship, the government must ensure that the privacy, dignity and rights of individuals are not violated. All ‘undocumented’ persons should not be treated as ‘illegals’. The government must proceed on the issue with utmost sensitivity and empathy. The government plans to update the National Population Register to identify and expel the illegals. This exercise must be accompanied by safeguards to prevent the wrongful exclusion of bona fide citizens, particularly vulnerable groups. A transparent appeals process is essential to maintain public trust in the exercise.
The government may also take a series of steps to prevent further influx. These include enhanced border security, the use of surveillance drones, fencing and advanced biometric systems to control movement along the border. Identifying illegals is a sensitive issue. The government needs to employ multi-pronged and thoughtful measures to achieve the objectives.