SECURITY THREATS DUE TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION FROM BANGLA DESH
India’s northeast has always remained critical from security and demographics perspective on India’s geopolitical canvas. All seven states in northeast India share borders with neighboring countries. Porous borders make them more vulnerable for illegal immigration. This issue was highlighted during riots in the Bodoland Territorial Autonomous Districts (BTAD) of Assam in July 2012. These riots took place between Bodos and illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, causing around 80 deaths and displacing around half a million people. FIIDS decided to investigate more on this issue as it is directly linked to National Security and create a research report.
FIIDS research report investigates the background of riots in the BTAD region from the time before formation of East Pakistan and then internal trouble in the East Pakistan during the independence struggle of Bangladesh. Multiple legal complications in the immigration status while dealing with Bangladeshis have been discussed in the report. This is also supported by the literature like Assam accord. One of the major focus of report is to analyze the factors contributing to illegal immigration and border management. Illegal immigration brings various type of anti-social elements including terrorism, narcotics and money laundering. These elements are substantiate threats to internal security.
FIIDS has analyzed the census data from Bangladesh and Northeastern Indian states and seen an unexplained discrepancy in the population on both sides. Indian states have seen a surge in the population while there has been a decrease in the population on the Bangladesh side. Statistics and graphs have been added in the report to support the argument. Internal security has been well covered with two interviews of one Army general who served in the same region and another Director General of Police of Border Security Force.
FIIDS has made certain recommendations to resolve the current deadlock and improve the situation further in the region. Illegal immigration is the root cause of all issues in the region. Strengthening the border checks will reduce the illegal immigration, however FIIDS also acknowledges the human aspect across the border. There are villages and communities on both sides which has relationships and businesses across the border. Legalizing immigration, issuing work permits and short term visa will allow people to visit another nation while keep a check on individuals crossing the borders and keep them accountable. 2012 Bodo riots were caused due to a fear in tribal of losing their ancestral land, so protecting tribal’s rights is critical. Issues of terrorism, narcotics, money laundering needs to be dealt with an iron fist. There can’t be any compromise on the national security. During the preparation of this report, FIIDS spoke to multiple law enforcement agencies as well as civil engagement bodies who are working in the area to encourage government and civil cooperation.
FIIDS has used variety of sources while preparing this report and quantitatively as well qualitatively analyzed the issue. Few interviews have been conducted to understand the on ground situation and transcripts have been attached in the appendix. Currently, report is in the review phase and being commented by various scholars.