Several states suffering from ‘demographic invasion’ from illegal infiltrators: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
- In Reports
- 12:15 PM, Aug 01, 2024
- Myind Staff
The chief minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, stated on Wednesday that illegal infiltrators from Bangladesh are causing a "demographic invasion" in several states across the nation. The chief minister, speaking at a press conference in Guwahati, described the condition of affairs as dire and urged the federal government to fortify the border with Bangladesh, particularly in states like West Bengal, "before the situation turns worse."
Sarma stated earlier in July that although the percentage of Muslims in Assam was 14% in 1951, it is now 40%, and he attributes this increase to illegal infiltration.
“I am of the view that Rohingyas are utilising the border situation of India and Bangladesh because large areas are porous. In Assam, we are guarding (the border), but our state is only a part of the India-Bangladesh border,” he said.
In response to the recent spike in the number of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas arrested in Tripura for illegal immigration, he stated, that Rohingya influx into India has increased manifold. Last year, the Assam Police struck down one such network and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is investigating the case.
‘’I think the Indian government must strengthen our border with Bangladesh, particularly in West Bengal. Because when the chief minister of West Bengal gives a statement that she will give shelter to Bangladeshi nationals, it raises a question on how much we are committed against infiltrators. This issue is real and serious, and I have seen the demographic invasion in Assam, Jharkhand and West Bengal,” he remarked.
“The statement by the West Bengal chief minister assuring rehabilitation to Bangladeshis shows that the state government is very soft about infiltration. Demography is fast changing in West Bengal as well, “Sarma continued.
Comparing the voter lists from the 2019 and 2024 elections will show the percentage rise in the population of voters who identify as members of a certain religion, according to the CM.
He continued by saying that the special section of police in Assam will start a project to compare voter lists from 2001 to 2014 and from 2014 to 2024 in order to determine the breakdown of religions.
“When the 2021 Census is conducted, I am sure it will give a shocking news on demography in eastern India. I am very sure about what I am saying. The situation is grim and grave. Demographic invasion is real and because of appeasement policy, we are not able to control it,” Sarma stated.
Although Assamese citizens are aware of the demographic invasion, he claimed that other states are not experiencing the same circumstances.
“During the time of Assam Agitation (against illegal infiltrators from Bangladesh that took place between 1979 and 1985), we used to say that what Assam is suffering, it will affect the entire country (if illegal infiltration isn’t stopped),” the Chief Minister said.
“At that time, the Congress didn’t give importance to that prediction. But today, the entire country is suffering, and we can see what is happening in Haryana, Delhi, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. Many states are affected by the demographic invasion,” he added.
Image source: PTI
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