Illegal immigration is a long-standing concern for India, as immigrants pose significant socio-political and economic challenges. Over the years, multiple states have raised alarms about the growing influx of these immigrants, sparking intense debates on national security, demographic shifts, and the strain on local resources. Among the states most affected are Assam, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and J&K, where illegal immigration has become a central issue in political discourse. While the humanitarian aspects of refugee protection should not be overlooked, the unregulated flow of immigrants into India poses several risks that require urgent attention.
Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought the issue of Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltration to the forefront in Jharkhand. This illegal immigration is reshaping the demographic structure of certain regions, particularly in the tribal-dominated Santhal Parganas and Kolhan. These immigrants are displacing the tribal population, usurping local governance structures like the panchayat system, and engaging in criminal activities, which has triggered alarm. Demographic changes are a sensitive issue in tribal areas like Jharkhand. The sense of insecurity among the tribal population has already been heightened, with reports of land grabs and social unrest linked to infiltrators. The task for the Jharkhand Government and the Centre has to be to strike a balance between securing borders, safeguarding tribal rights, and addressing the issue of unauthorised settlers.
Even in J&K, the issue of illegal Rohingya immigration has added another layer of complications. Since the early 2010s, thousands of Rohingya refugees fleeing persecution in Myanmar have found refuge in Jammu and the surrounding areas. In the context of J&K, where national security is a top concern due to cross-border terrorism, the presence of Rohingya immigrants has raised red flags, as concerns are that some Rohingyas might be vulnerable to radicalisation by extremist groups. The infiltration of Rohingyas in a politically charged region like J&K adds layers of social tension, religious distrust, and security risks. In a region where militant activity is a serious concern, the presence of undocumented foreigners-who can’t be easily tracked or monitored-poses a unique challenge for local law enforcement agencies. The Government’s approach has been to encourage repatriation and deportation, but the process has been too slow to quell fears among the local population.
It is essential to acknowledge that even the states of Assam and West Bengal have long been grappling with the issue of illegal immigration from Bangladesh. Assam’s National Register of Citizens (NRC) was an attempt to identify illegal immigrants and protect the cultural and linguistic identity of the Assamese population. The situation in Assam has often led to ethnic violence, with the indigenous population feeling threatened by the growing numbers of Bangladeshi immigrants. West Bengal, another state with a long and porous border with Bangladesh, faces similar challenges. Like Assam, West Bengal’s demographic composition has shifted, especially in districts bordering Bangladesh. Political parties, too, have been accused of using illegal immigration for vote bank politics, adding to the volatility.
Illegal immigration brings with it not only security and demographic concerns but also socio-economic challenges. Infiltrators often compete with local populations for jobs, housing, and access to Government welfare schemes. In economically disadvantaged areas, this competition often creates tensions. Additionally, in many cases, illegal immigrants remain undocumented and therefore are excluded from official statistics, making it difficult for local Governments to plan for infrastructure, health, and education needs.
The Government must adopt a multipronged strategy to address the issues. Strengthening border controls, enhancing the capacity of law enforcement to monitor illegal settlements, and using technology to track the movement of people across borders are all crucial steps. At the same time, India must engage with neighbouring countries like Bangladesh and Myanmar to negotiate repatriation agreements, ensuring that immigrants who enter the country illegally can be returned safely and humanely. The Government has to take hard decisions as the nation’s security cannot be compromised.
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