Following India's recent assertive measures against Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack, a growing chorus is emerging from Northeast India, demanding similar stringent actions against Bangladesh. The primary concern fueling this demand is the persistent issue of illegal immigration and perceived growing anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has been a vocal proponent of a tougher stance, highlighting the alleged increasing proximity between Pakistan and Bangladesh. He asserted that India should consider strong measures against Bangladesh, similar to those taken against Pakistan, while acknowledging the strategic complexities involved. Concerns over cross-border infiltration are at the forefront of Sarma's anxieties.
Echoing these sentiments, Tripura's royal scion, Pradyot Kishore Debbarman, has raised alarms about continuous infiltration from Bangladesh, leading to demographic shifts within Tripura. He stated that for every five individuals apprehended, a thousand more slip through the porous border, exacerbating the demographic changes. Debbarman stressed that Assam, Tripura, and parts of Meghalaya have become transit routes for illegal migrants heading to other parts of India.
The call for action comes amidst a backdrop of strained relations between India and Bangladesh, particularly after the removal of Sheikh Hasina's government in August 2024. Sheikh Hasina had been a key ally in stabilizing the Northeast region and safeguarding the Siliguri Corridor, a vital link connecting the Northeast with the rest of India.
The geographical realities of the Northeast further complicate the issue. The region shares a 1,880-kilometer border with Bangladesh, encompassing the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. This proximity has historically led to intertwined geopolitics and increased dependency of the Northeast on Bangladesh for connectivity and trade.
Concerns extend beyond illegal immigration to encompass potential security threats. Instability in Bangladesh and Myanmar disrupts connectivity projects and raises concerns about cross-border smuggling and insurgent activities. The rise of a new political establishment in Bangladesh, perceived as tilting towards China and Pakistan, has further heightened anxieties about the region's security landscape. This perceived shift has led to calls for India to reassess its border management strategies and enhance military preparedness to secure its borders against potential threats.
The issue of illegal immigration has deep historical roots in the Northeast, with significant influxes occurring during the Partition of 1947 and the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. These events have led to demographic imbalances and socio-political tensions, fueling demands for a robust National Register of Citizens (NRC) to identify and deport illegal immigrants.
