The crackdown on illegal immigration in West Bengal and Assam has prompted touts to alter their strategies. These touts are now identifying and relocating illegal immigrants from these states to other parts of India. Security officials have noted a surge in efforts to shift these individuals swiftly, especially to southern states where scrutiny is currently less stringent.
Law enforcement agencies in Assam and West Bengal, alongside the Border Security Force (BSF), have intensified their operations to identify and deport illegal immigrants. Despite these efforts, a significant number of illegal immigrants are believed to still reside in northeastern and North Indian regions. Recently, the Mangaluru police in Karnataka uncovered a major illegal immigration racket involving individuals from West Bengal.
Following the crackdown announcement, touts facilitating illegal immigration have adapted their operations. They have reduced activities in states taking action against illegal immigration and are now focusing on other regions. This shift in strategy has posed new challenges for security agencies, as illegal immigrants are being dispersed across the country, increasing the burden on authorities.
Officials have highlighted that the illegal immigration syndicate, supported by foreign funding, aims to impact India’s population, job market, and demographics. The Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) has allegedly orchestrated this strategy post the Bangladesh liberation war. Despite the crackdown, these ISI-backed touts are expected to persist due to financial incentives and external pressures.
The Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) investigations have exposed a well-organized syndicate operating in multiple states, involved not only in illegal immigration but also human trafficking and money laundering. Raids conducted by the ED unveiled significant amounts of cash and gold, indicating the syndicate’s extensive reach and illicit activities. Foreign links to the syndicate, including UK-based handlers facilitating fund transfers, have further underscored the complexity of the operation.
The ongoing crackdown in Assam and West Bengal has not deterred these touts, who are now targeting states with lower immigration scrutiny. Driven by financial gains and external influences, these touts are likely to persist in their activities, posing a continued challenge to security agencies.
