‘Illegal Bangladeshi migrants influx changing Assam’s demography’

The influx of illegal Bangladeshi migrants into Assam is changing the demographic pattern in the state with the overall Muslim population in the state increasing by over 4% between 2001 and 2011.

A recent report by the Supreme Court-appointed court commissioner reveals that there has been a sudden influx of electors in certain areas of the state and the migrants were registered with the government even though their nationality was yet to be ascertained.

Submitted last week to the top court, which is hearing a PIL against the grant of citizenship to illegal migrants from Bangladesh, senior advocate Upamanyu Hazarika’s report gives suggestions to stop the “continued aggression of illegal migrants”.

It includes restriction on the sale of land and immovable property only to those who were citizens in 1951 and their descendants.

Hazarika had made a similar recommendation for government jobs to contain illegal migration and protect indigenous inhabitants.

Hazarika’s report is based on various representations he received from several state residents.

Referring to a sharp increase in the Muslim population in Darrang district between 1971 to 2001,the report stated: “The illegal migrants are largely Muslims and the percentage of increase in the Muslim population is a benchmark for the increase in migrant population.”

“In the face of glaring facts, continued aggression of illegal migrants and changing demography, what are the options available (for residents), more so when the government acts only for the benefit of such migrants,” the report asked.