The deportation of Bengali migrants to Bangladesh has created a state of uncertainty for the families left behind, with allegations of wrongful deportations and denial of due process. These families are grappling with the sudden absence of their loved ones, struggling to navigate the legal and bureaucratic hurdles to bring them back, and facing immense emotional distress.
Several reports have emerged detailing instances where individuals, identified as "illegal immigrants," were deported despite possessing valid Indian documents. In West Bengal's Birbhum district, families have alleged that their relatives were wrongly deported by Delhi Police, even after providing land documents as proof of citizenship. Bhodu Sheikh and Amir Khan, residents of Birbhum, recounted how their daughters and grandchildren were detained and subsequently deported. Similarly, the family members of Sk. Amir, a resident of Malda, claimed that he was pushed into Bangladesh after being arrested by Rajasthan Police, despite possessing land documents to prove their residence in Kaliachak since the 1950s.
The deportations have triggered strong reactions, with accusations of "linguistic terror" and violations of human rights. Samirul Islam, a TMC MP, is protesting against the deportations, asserting that they are a form of discrimination based on language. He has provided land documents to support the claims of citizenship and vowed to pursue legal action to bring back the deported individuals. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also condemned the reports of Bengali-speaking people being targeted in BJP-ruled states, denouncing it as a "shame" and calling for an immediate end to such actions.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has also criticized India for deporting Bengali migrants without due process, highlighting that many of those expelled are, in fact, Indian citizens. According to the Bangladesh Border Guard, India expelled over 1,500 Muslims to Bangladesh between May 7th and June 15th, including around 100 Rohingya refugees. HRW指摘said that India's actions violate fundamental human rights and reflect broader discriminatory policies against Muslims. The organization has urged the Indian government to stop unlawfully deporting people and ensure access to procedural safeguards against arbitrary detention and expulsion.
The situation is further complicated by the strained relationship between India and Bangladesh. Following the flight of Shikh Kasira, the former leader, to India in August 2024, the Indian government's reluctance to collaborate with the current government in Bangladesh has fueled tensions. Some analysts suggest that the deportations are being used as a strategic tool to create instability along the border.
The families of the deported migrants are now facing immense hardship and uncertainty. They are struggling to cope with the emotional trauma of separation, the financial burden of pursuing legal recourse, and the social stigma associated with being labeled as "illegal immigrants". The process of proving citizenship and securing the return of their loved ones is often complex and time-consuming, leaving families in a state of limbo.
Several cases have come to light where the intervention of the West Bengal government has led to the repatriation of deported individuals. However, many families lack the resources and awareness to navigate the system, leaving them vulnerable and without hope. The endless uncertainty surrounding the fate of their loved ones continues to cast a long shadow over their lives.
