Assam CM Addresses Infiltration, Urges Action Against Illegal Labor Migration

GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, during his New Year’s press conference, addressed the rising issue of infiltration into Assam and India. However, he clarified that the government had not detected any cases of Hindu Bangladeshi influx in the past five months.

He also praised the Hindu community in Bangladesh for their maturity and responsible conduct. "Every day, Assam Police detect 20-30 infiltrators, and a similar trend is being observed in Tripura," said CM Himanta, voicing concern over the alarming rise.

Regarding the low number of Bangladeshi Hindus entering India, the Assam Chief Minister stated, "I believe the numbers are very small. Those who wished to migrate likely did so 40 years ago, while others stayed due to their attachment to their homeland. I think we should not encourage them to move to India."

CM Sarma emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is consistently working to ensure security and strengthen the security situation in Bangladesh.

He explained that the rise in infiltration is primarily driven by unrest in neighboring countries, which has caused the collapse of the textile industry, leaving numerous laborers unemployed and compelling them to cross into India.

He further linked the influx to Indian textile owners who are encouraging illegal immigration. "They are providing significant monetary incentives to bring in cheap labor through illegal means," he said.

CM Sarma stated that he brought up the issue during the recent North Eastern Council (NEC) meeting. He also mentioned discussing the matter with Home Minister Amit Shah and revealed that he had conversations with his counterparts in various Northeastern states as well as the West Bengal government regarding the concern.

The chief minister explained that economic collapse in the neighboring country, coupled with unrest, has had a greater impact on the majority community than the minority.

"We have so far detained and deported over 1,000 infiltrators," he said, adding that the Assam government avoids arresting them as they often secure bail in Indian jails. He further called for action against industrial units that are incentivizing people to migrate to India as cheap labor.

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