Govt Confirms Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrants Residing in Jharkhand

The central government has informed the Jharkhand High Court about the presence of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in the state. According to an affidavit submitted by Pratap Singh Rawat, an undersecretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, these immigrants entered Jharkhand through Sahebgunj and Pakur districts. The affidavit also highlighted the transfer of tribal land to Muslims via daanpatra gift deeds.

Decrease in Tribal Population

The affidavit noted a significant decline in the tribal population due to high conversion rates and low birth rates among them. Additionally, outward migration from the Santhal Parganas has contributed to the reduced number of indigenous people. The document also mentioned an increase in madrasas in Sahebgunj and Pakur over recent years, which has facilitated the integration of infiltrators who share the local dialect.

Border Porosity and Infiltration

India's 4096.7-km border with Bangladesh is highly porous, making it easy for infiltrators to cross into Indian territory, Rawat stated in the affidavit. The court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on tribal conversions in Santhal Parganas filed by Soma Oraon and another PIL by Daniel Danish on illegal immigration.

Oraon's petition claimed that tribals in Santhal Parganas were being converted to other religions through planned efforts. "The tribals have been lured to convert to different religions in a planned manner," she said. Danish's petition alleged that illegal immigrants had started purchasing land and creating false documents to establish residency.

The affidavit also mentioned similar issues with illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in Assam. The next hearing on this matter is scheduled for September 17.