INFILTRATION

Gurmukh Singh On Infiltration in Assam

(Dhubri) district, bifurcated by the Brahmaputra, has virtually become an extension of Bangladesh because of the continuing influx from across the border.

From post number 1001 to 1067 in this district, the highly porous 260-km-long Bangladesh border has become the gateway for migration into Assam, altering the demographic ratio in Kamrup, Dhubri, Goalpara and Nalbari districts, admits a police official.

For a highly open border there is only one watch tower for a distance of one-and-a-half kilometre compounding the problem of patrolling is the 70-km wide Brahmaputra and a large unfened area on both sides of the river. "This is truly a great problem. Though we have 59 watercraft keeping round-the-clock vigil in the river, this area is too vast and some people might still be slipping in. Another big problem is the river islands where infiltrators and smugglers take shelter. But there is very little infiltration as our 19 posts on these islands maintain a constant vigil. Bangladeshi migrants are also reportedly sneaking in with the Indian farmers who go across the border to cultivate in the 150-metre belt which belongs to India (as the fencing has been done 150 metre into Indian territory). "One farmer goes there, but he returns with two Bangladeshis. Though the BSF issues token cards to these farmers which they return on re-entry, (it) can't check every individual".

The worst-affected area by infiltrating is near post number 1001 which is the triangular junction of Bangladesh. West Bengal and Assam. "The Assam government has no jurisdiction over that area. And we know that smuggling and other anti-Indian activities are taking place unchecked there", says Sharma.

"But the biggest threat to the north-east from these Bangladeshi infiltrators is the rise of fundamentalism in the region. Our intelligence reports have confirmed the existence of such groups here, says Sharma. The influx continues unabated.           

Shahabuddin's Letter to Home Minister, 30 December, 1996

The Times of India has reported that massive infiltration from Bangladesh to Assam is taking place into Dhubri and the islands in the Brahamputra.

I would suggest that all persons found residing in the border districts on a given date, should be given a Certificate of Residence so that any infiltration can be easily identified. This Certificate of Residence should not be regarded as a Certificate of Citizenship so that the case of anyone having the Certificate but suspected of being a foreign national can be processed in accordance with law. But at least it will help stop the influx.

Government Statements On Repeal of Tribunals Act, 1983

Though proposals have been received from various quarters for the repeal of the IMDT Act, 1983, no decision has been taken so far. Before such a decision is taken all aspects will be thoroughly examined.

(Minister of Home Affairs, Government of India's Letter No.11012/ 50/96-NE.IV dated 15 January, 1997 to Mr. S. Shahabuddin)

On Revision of Electoral Rolls

The Election Commission has already ordered revision of electoral rolls with reference to 1.1.1997 as the qualifying date in respect of Punjab and Assam. The Commission has not yet decided on revision of electoral rolls or otherwise in respect of other States/Union Territories (Source: LSUQ No. 3119 dated 13 December, 1996 by S.M. Dev and T.S. Reddy)