By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 7: The North East Students’ Organisation (NESO), a coalition of eight student bodies from across northeastern India, has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to prevent illegal entries from Bangladesh into the region. NESO emphasized that no Bangladeshi nationals should be granted asylum or rehabilitated in these states.
In a letter addressed to Modi and Shah, NESO requested immediate intervention to strictly monitor and manage the northeastern border with Bangladesh. The organization underscored the critical need for stringent border control to curb illegal migration.
NESO highlighted the potential consequences of recent developments in Bangladesh, cautioning that any turmoil in Bangladesh could lead to a mass exodus into India, particularly affecting the northeastern states. The letter pointed out the extensive shared borders, including Tripura (856 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Mizoram (318 km), and Assam (262 km).
Reflecting on historical precedents, NESO noted that during the 1947 partition, a significant number of Bengalis from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) crossed into Assam and Tripura illegally. Similarly, during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, many migrated to the northeastern states, causing demographic imbalances in Assam, Tripura, and Meghalaya.
NESO expressed concerns about the continued flow of illegal immigrants creating socio-economic and cultural tensions. The influx has resulted in fierce competition for resources, forced cultural assimilation, and significant demographic shifts. For instance, in Tripura, the native tribal population has dwindled to just 30% due to mass migration since 1947.
The organization also cited the ongoing crisis in Assam due to illegal immigration, recalling the six-year Assam Movement that resulted in 860 martyrs and led to the Assam Accord, which aimed at deporting illegal migrants. Similar calls for deportation have come from Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh in recent years.
NESO concluded that the unregulated influx of immigrants has provoked insecurity, agitations, and riots, disrupting the lives of indigenous communities. The organization urged immediate action to address these pressing issues.
Original Story https://theshillongtimes.com/2024/08/08/ensure-no-bdeshi-enters-india-illegally-neso-urges-pm-hm/
Category : MEGHALAYA
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