Dear Editor,
Migration is driven by demographic disparity, discrimination and opportunities. India receives world’s largest undocumented migration -up to 17 million people from Indo-Bangladesh corridor. She witnessed 4.7 millions of Hindus and Sikhs moved from West Pakistan after partition. Communal Riots and economic stagnation during liberation of Bangladesh have forced minority Hindus to leave. East Pakistan Displaced Person (EDEP) made colony at Chittranjan Park, New Delhi, Bihar, Orissa and Mumbai. People chose Barak valley after Assam Sylhet joined East Pakistan. Kolkata saw mass flow of migration due to its industrial development. It is undeniable fact that large-scale migrations have illegally taken place over many decades from Moimonsingia community to Assam and still continues. The indigenous Tripuris became minority in the princely state of Tripura.
The highlight falls with the line of Indira-Mujib accord for granting citizenship that enters India by March 25, 1971. NEFA made a mistake by settling Chakma-Hajong as refugee. Now SC has issued order to stop evicting Chakma-Hajong and instead implement Citizenship with ST Status despite emotional concern by the indigenous Arunachali. Mizoram has already drawn action plan by granting citizenship to Chakma keeping the 2018 assembly election in mind. The age old ethnic hatred between the Nagas and Kukis (driven out their homeland Myanmar in the 18th century) are well known. Rohingyas made headlines after WB CM expressed support. They are not refugee as they entered illegally and none has applied for asylum. They are to be deported. Except Assam, other NE states have been granted rights for indigenous people to maintain and strengthen their distinct political, legal, economic, social and cultural institutions. 500 km Indo-Bangla border is yet to be sealed. AASU is fighting for Clause 6 of Assam accord. Now Assam govt is voicing over citizenship bill for Hindu Bangladeshi. India just can’t afford migrants anymore. Migration has significant implication for NE’s demography, economy, socio-cultural framework and environment. Political parties utilize migrants as a convenient political vote bank. Above all a long-term solution is necessary for both indigenous and legal migrant communities to live and work together in harmony towards the development of the state. Should India welcome illegal immigrants on humanitarian ground?
Yours,
Kamal Baruah
Guwahati