One of the key issues in West Bengal is illegal immigration, a problem persisting for years due to a complicit administration. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for illegal immigrants to leave the state following BJP’s victory. Union Home Minister Amit Shah echoed this sentiment, hinting at upcoming measures to tackle the issue. Officials anticipate a crackdown on illegal immigration, expecting a decrease in fresh influx in the coming months.
Illegal immigration in West Bengal and other Northeastern states is not merely an economic concern but a strategic move orchestrated by the ISI and Jamaat-e-Islami since the late 1970s to alter India’s demographics. The BJP highlighted illegal immigration as a significant electoral issue, consistently raising it before and during the elections. Intelligence Bureau officials stress the importance of state government collaboration with central agencies to combat such issues effectively.
To address illegal immigration, the state administration, aligned with the BJP’s stance, plans to adopt a zero-tolerance policy. The initial step involves identifying and legally deporting all illegal immigrants, a daunting task given the substantial numbers in West Bengal. Priority will be given to bordering districts like Malda and Murshidabad, where demographic shifts are most pronounced.
Efforts will also target the network of touts facilitating illegal immigration, a problem spanning across India and Bangladesh. The crackdown in West Bengal is expected to have a ripple effect nationwide, as illegal immigrants often migrate to other states, particularly in the south, for employment in sectors like plantations and construction. Cooperation with Bangladesh is crucial in securing the border and preventing illegal entries through unfenced areas like rivers and dense forests.
