Illegal Bangladeshi /Rohingya migration-Biggest threat toIndia's national security PART 3
Amit Shah cited the illegal acquisition of Aadhaar and voter identity cards by Bangladeshi nationals, who are posing as Indian citizens.
NewsBharati 15-Apr-2025 12:56:51 PM
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Border Security Concerns: Shah Accuses West Bengal of Border Fencing Delays-30 March 2025
Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated in the Lok Sabha that approximately 450 kilometers of the India-Bangladesh border remain unfenced, attributing the delay to the Trinamool Congress government's "appeasement politics," which facilitates illegal migration. He emphasized that repeated communications with the West Bengal government regarding land acquisition for fencing have yielded minimal progress. Shah cited the illegal acquisition of Aadhaar and voter identity cards by Bangladeshi nationals, who are posing as Indian citizens.
Trinamool Congress Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have made great efforts to grant Indian citizenship to Bangladeshi and Pakistani nationals respectively for political reasons. It was very difficult to declare them as foreign nationals after providing them with documents like ration cards, Aadhaar cards and voter ID cards. It is estimated that there are around ten crore illegal immigrants living in India today. Unfortunately, identifying them and sending them back to their home countries is not as easy as it is in the US. This is because of the electoral politics of the opposition parties in India; this is an unfortunate truth. Amit Shah mentioned this in detail in his speech.
5,000 Bangladeshi individuals living in Borivali
Borivali's Member of the Legislative Assembly, Shri Sanjay Upadhyay, stated on March 30th that he has identified more than 5,000 Bangladeshi individuals living within his constituency. He reports they are working on various projects managed by the Mumbai Municipal Corporation, like road repairs and building construction, and also in roles such as street vendors and domestic workers. He alleges their large numbers have taken over street shopping in Borivali and occupied railway platforms. Additionally, he claims they have constructed six-story slums near the railway station. He asserts that the Mumbai Municipal Corporation is ignoring the presence of these illegal migrants, many of whom he describes as aggressive and having seized trade opportunities from local shopkeepers.
BJP leader Kirit Somaiya had brought forward the information that 181 Bangladeshis in Nashik district had taken advantage of the 'Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi' scheme. Meanwhile, a case has now been registered against these Bangladeshis on Wednesday, March 26.
Addressing Illegal Bangladeshi Migration in the Hinterland -Few Recommendations
1. Secrecy is Key
Efforts to apprehend illegal Bangladeshi migrants must remain confidential to prevent them from fleeing to other states. Publicizing such operations can undermine their effectiveness, as it alerts the migrants and their support networks.
2. Identifying Illegal Migrants
Many migrants falsely claim to be from West Bengal or the northeastern states, but verifying their origins as Bangladeshi is straightforward with proper investigation. While some possess Indian government-issued documents like Aadhaar and PAN cards, others either lack documentation or rely on forged papers.
3. Involving the Community
Common citizens can act as the "eyes and ears" of law enforcement by reporting suspected illegal migrants. However, they must be assured that their identities will remain confidential to encourage participation. Local organizations working in this domain can also assist in detection efforts.
4. Challenges Faced by Law Enforcement In the states
Police stations tasked with detecting illegal migrants face several hurdles:
Understaffing: Only 2-3 investigating officers (IOs) are typically available per police station.
Judicial Delays: The legal process is time-consuming, requiring frequent court appearances that drain police resources.
Limited Punishment: Convicted migrants often receive light sentences (e.g., one year), after which they are handed over to the Border Security Force (BSF) for deportation. Bureaucratic hurdles further complicate this process.
5. Recommended Solutions
a. Increase Investigative Capacity
Deploy 10-15 dedicated IOs per police station in major cities, drawing from the pool of over 3 lakh retired policemen in each affected state. These experienced officers can significantly improve detection efforts.
b. Judicial Reforms
Establish fast-track courts or tribunals to expedite cases within 7-10 days.
Conduct in-camera trials to minimize the strain on police resources.
Eliminate the option of bail for arrested migrants.
c. Secure Detention Facilities
Hold all detained migrants in designated, secure camps during their trials to prevent escape.
d. Target the Support Networks
Arrest agents and individuals who assist migrants in obtaining fake documents and employment.
Punish locals who harbour or employ illegal migrants.
e. Digitize Data
Create a centralized digital database to streamline investigations across police stations.
f. Leverage Local Expertise
Assign Bengali-speaking personnel to police stations to assist in identifying migrants. Their identities must be protected for safety.
Form specialized teams comprising IOs, intelligence officers, Bengali-speaking experts, and locals with area knowledge.
g. Incentives and Rewards
Provide monetary or job-related incentives to officers and citizens contributing to the detection of illegal migrants.
Offer roles in the Home Guards or similar positions to locals providing reliable intelligence.
6 . Maintaining Operational Confidentiality
To ensure success, all activities related to the detection and deportation of illegal migrants must remain confidential. Press briefings or public disclosures should be avoided to prevent migrants from escaping to other states.
By addressing these challenges with a comprehensive and covert strategy, Maharashtra can effectively tackle the issue of illegal Bangladeshi migration while maintaining public order and national security.
OHER RECOMMENDATIONS
Detecting illegal Bangladeshi migration into cities in India involves a combination of intelligence gathering, administrative measures, and community engagement. Here’s a structured approach:
Strengthening Border Control and Coordination
Enhanced Surveillance at Entry Points: Strengthen surveillance at railway stations, and bus depots that act as transit hubs.
Coordination with Border States: All states must collaborate with states bordering Bangladesh (like West Bengal and Assam) to track migrants’ movement.
Advanced Technology Use: Use drones, CCTVs, and AI-powered systems to monitor vulnerable transit routes.
Verification and Documentation
Stringent Identity Verification: Mandate robust verification processes for obtaining documents like Aadhaar, voter ID, or ration cards.
Spot Verification: Conduct random verification drives in areas with a high density of suspected illegal migrants.
Cross-check with Bangladesh Database: Collaborate with Bangladeshi authorities to identify fraudulent documentation or identities.
Community Intelligence
Local Informants: Build a network of informants within communities to gather information about suspicious activities.
Incentivizing Reporting: Provide incentives for local citizens to report suspicious new arrivals or illegal activities.
Use of Technology.
Facial Recognition: Deploy facial recognition systems in crowded public places to match suspected individuals with known records.
Biometric Integration: Integrate biometrics in public services and link them to centralized databases for tracking anomalies.
Urban Area Focus
Surveys in Slums and Low-Income Areas: Many illegal migrants settle in urban slums. Conduct surveys to verify residents’ identities.
Tracking Unregulated Labor Markets: Monitor labor contractors and industries employing daily-wage workers like construction, domestic help, and textiles.
Legal and Administrative Measures
Strict Enforcement of Foreigner Acts: Implement provisions of the Foreigners Act, 1946, and deport identified illegal migrants.
Regularization of Documentation Processes: Ensure that genuine citizens do not face harassment while clamping down on fraudulent entries.
Coordination with Law Enforcement: Train police to recognize fake documents and enforce immigration laws effectively.
Public Awareness Campaigns
Educational Programs: Educate the public about the socio-economic and security risks of illegal migration.
Collaborate with NGOs: Work with NGOs to spread awareness and gather intelligence discreetly.
Policy Recommendations
National Register of Citizens (NRC): Advocate for implementing NRC at the state level to identify and differentiate citizens from illegal migrants.
Work Permit System: Introduce a work permit system for legal migrants to control and monitor their movement.
Data Analysis and Monitoring
Detecting illegal migration, including Bangladeshi migration into cities of Bharat, involves a multifaceted approach. Here are some strategies that can be implemented:
Regular analysis of population census data and demographic changes. Engage community leaders to raise awareness about the issues related to illegal migration.
Activities: Increase surveillance at entry points.
Set up checkpoints in strategic locations to monitor movement. Collaborate with immigration, police, and local government agencies to share intelligence.
Joint Operations: Conduct joint operations to identify and apprehend illegal migrants.
Inform the public about the legalities of migration and the risks associated with illegal migration. Use social media platforms to disseminate information and gather intelligence. Conduct research to understand migration trends and root causes.
Study the socio-economic impacts of illegal migration on local communities.
Combating illegal migration requires a comprehensive strategy involving law enforcement, community participation, and policy reform. Collaboration between different levels of government and civil society is crucial for effective detection and management.
Conclusion-Changing Tactics of Bangladeshi Infiltrators & Countering It
Bangladeshi infiltrators are embedding themselves deep within India's heartland through a well-organized network of sleeper cells, fake identities, and local agents. This is not just illegal immigration but a deliberate attempt to create internal disturbances and hinder India's economic growth.
Financial Support from External Handlers
Many Bangladeshi infiltrators, when caught, have been found carrying large amounts of cash—often up to ₹1 lakh—suggesting financial backing from handlers in Bangladesh. This funding enables them to sustain their operations and expand their influence.
Targeting Smaller Towns for Concealment
In a strategic shift, infiltrators are now moving into smaller towns where detection is more difficult due to weaker law enforcement networks. This allows them to establish sleeper cells, strengthen local crime syndicates, and integrate into society by providing cheap labor, making them nearly invisible to authorities.
The Power of Fake Identities
Fake identification documents serve as a powerful tool in their infiltration strategy. Possession of Aadhaar and PAN cards grants them access to government schemes and employment opportunities. Voter IDs enable them to participate in elections, while bank accounts facilitate money laundering and illicit financial activities. These fake documents legitimize their presence, allowing them to purchase property and even apply for government positions.
Electoral Interference and Vote Bank Politics
By securing voter IDs, infiltrators participate in elections, strengthening specific political vote banks. This "vote jihad" helps political parties that facilitate their illegal entry into the country. Additionally, they are often involved in communal violence and riots, ensuring continuous social unrest.
Exploitation of Welfare Schemes
Illegal immigrants exploit public welfare schemes meant for Indian citizens, placing an immense burden on the system. Certain political entities aid them in obtaining homes, rations, and subsidies through fraudulent documentation. With legal identities, they can cover up illegal trade, smuggling operations, and facilitate the entry of criminals into the system, gradually gaining legal status.
The Infiltration Economy: A Lucrative Business
The cost of infiltrating India—from crossing the Bangladesh border to reaching the heartland—ranges between ₹15,000 and ₹30,000. In states like Assam, West Bengal, and Kerala, entire illegal colonies have been established, with infiltrators evolving into land mafia operators. This is a systematic demographic invasion, threatening India's sovereignty.
Profits from Human Trafficking, Narcotics, and Smuggling
The infiltration economy is thriving, with crores of rupees exchanged daily in human trafficking. Additionally, massive profits are generated through narcotics trade, gold smuggling, and cattle smuggling. This influx of illegal activities weakens India's internal security and fuels organized crime networks.
A Coordinated Assault on India's Stability
Illegal infiltration is not just an economic threat but a well-planned assault on India's stability and national security. A nationwide audit is essential to identify and eliminate fake Aadhaar and voter cards. Government officials and political leaders responsible for aiding this infiltration must be held accountable and face strict legal action.
The Need for Immediate Action
Illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators pose the most significant demographic and security threat to India. Their unchecked presence is altering demographics, destabilizing society, and compromising national security. Urgent and decisive measures are required to tackle this menace before it spirals further out of control.
End Notes
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BRIG Hemant Mahajan
Passionate writer on National Security related issues, Brig Hemant Mahajan YSM (Retd) is M Sc, M Phil in Defence Studies. He joined IMA Dehradun in July 1973 and passed out as a Commissioned Officer on 15 June 1975. He was commissioned into 7 MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY. He has served extensively in Counter Insurgency Operations in Insurgency and Terrorist prone areas of Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab and North East and has taken part in all important operations undertaken by the Army since 1975.
Brig Hemant Mahajan served in Jammu & Kashmir, in the deserts of Rajasthan, in Super High Altitude areas of Kargil and Leh, forward areas of Arunachal Pradesh. He was deployed in Punjab in ‘Operation Avert’. He was also involved in maintaining peace post ‘Operation Bluestar’ days in Punjab in the worst affected district of Gurdaspur, Taran Taran and Amritsar.He served in the areas of Darjeeling, Kurseong, Siliguri and Sikkim. He commanded his battalion 7 MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY in Operation Rakshak in the most difficult areas of Poonch and Rajouri during the times of highest militancy. His unit was responsible for stopping terrorists from Pakistan into Jammu and Kashmir. His unit was awarded Unit Citation, 18 gallantry awards including YSM (gallantry) for the officer.
