Challenges of Immigration in Assam: Insights from Former BSF Chief
Immigration Concerns in Assam
Former BSF chief Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary (Photo: @bookmakingitbig / X)
Guwahati, Nov 3: According to Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary, the former Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF), over one-third of Assam's population consists of immigrants. However, determining how many arrived post-1971 remains challenging.
In an interview, Mooshahary emphasized the need for electoral reforms, suggesting that the government should implement thorough screening processes for electoral rolls instead of automatically adding names.
He noted that while the BSF's strength has significantly increased and infiltration rates have decreased, some individuals still manage to enter India. Once inside, identifying illegal migrants becomes a complex task, necessitating a more proactive government approach to detect those residing illegally in Assam.
Mooshahary highlighted that many Bangladeshi nationals enter India with valid documents for medical treatment and other purposes but often do not return. A study conducted during his tenure revealed that approximately 50% of these individuals fail to leave, particularly in West Bengal.
He criticized the government's lack of serious efforts to track these individuals, many of whom may now have children born in India, complicating identification efforts.
Furthermore, he pointed out that several African nations are experiencing labor shortages in agriculture. He proposed that the Indian government could facilitate the relocation of illegal migrants to these countries for agricultural work.
Mooshahary traced the history of migration in Assam back to the Mughal era, noting that it intensified during British colonial rule. Although there were attempts to address the issue post-Independence, they were largely ineffective.
Despite the signing of the Assam Accord in 1985, which followed a prolonged movement, the challenge of repatriating Bangladeshi nationals persists. He concluded by stating that the ongoing census may provide clearer insights into the number of illegal migrants currently residing in Assam.