India already witnessed various waves of immigration primarily from the neighbouring countries, which often takes place surreptitiously through illegal routes and have serious national security implications. The root causes of illegal migration are complex and based on various factors. While it is easy to eliminate symptoms, addressing the core problem requires sustained efforts to bring a change in the quality of human life in our neighbouring countries through enhancement of infrastructure, provision for basic amenities including health and education facilities and improving economic opportunities.
Illegal trans-border migration- a threat to India’s security:
Clashes due to Insecurity: India is the world's largest democracy and yet illegal migration can be termed as a threat to its security. Daily clashes in border states are a result of this illegal migration. The security of millions of Indians living on the borders is at stake if the illegal migration is not checked immediately.
Disturbance in Law and Order: The Rule of Law and integrity of the country are undermined by the illegal migrants who are engaged in illegal and anti-national activities, such as entering the country fraudulently acquiring identity cards, exercising voting rights in India and resorting to trans-border smuggling and other crimes.
Rise of Militancy: The rise of militancy has been traced to the attacks on non-Muslim migrants. The victims were reasonably perceived by sections of the Assamese society as illegal migrants. The socio-economic condition of the Muslims in Assam during this period was also a factor that led to the emergence of militant organizations such as MULTA.
Human trafficking: Human trafficking is the trade in human beings for the purpose of forced labor or sexual slavery. Human trafficking is not synonymous with people smuggling. The Centre for Women and Children Studies estimated that 27,000 Bangladeshis have been forced into prostitution in India. Poverty and hunger forces either the parents to sell the girls to traffickers or the girls themselves leave home and fall prey to traffickers.
Terrorism: The rapid pace of Indian economic growth had led to increased migration in search of employment, mainly from the neighboring countries of Bangladesh and Pakistan. This factor on its own is a potent source of increased national security threats for India. The influx of foreign nationals created deep security concerns mainly in view of infiltration by the Islamic terrorists to foment trouble within India. Existence of many Islamic terrorist groups and collusive networks in Assam adds alarming dimension to India’s security problem.
Factors which give impetus to illegal immigration:
Political Factors: Political Factors: Political factors force illegal immigrants to go to India. Besides riots and war, discriminatory land laws were another region for immigration. At the same time, availability of land, better economic opportunities, education, and health facilities, and a similar cultural landscape were the reasons for Indians to as well move to in other countries.
Religious Discrimination: The discriminatory laws against the Hindus, particularly in terms of religion and land, have been a persistent problem for the Hindu population of Bangladesh. The Hindus have continued to suffer as the lands which they depended on for livelihood were taken away from them by denying them proper ownership papers.
Growing Population: The growing population and lack of opportunities and power of the poor in industrialized countries create an incentive for the poor to migrate to rich countries.
Stagnant Economic Growth and Lack of Employment: The factors which give impetus to illegal immigration can be attributed to stagnant economic growth and abnormally high unemployment rate. The crime rates are also very high in the neighboring countries. Unemployment is a problem that plagues South Asian economies.
Porous Borders: India's border with its neighbors is porous owing to historically low barriers and minimal use of physical infrastructure. Most boundary areas are non-demarcated and poorly lit, making them vulnerable to incursions. Thus, the border constitutes both a means and an opportunity for criminal elements to enter India in large numbers.
Tighter Border Controls: Tighter border controls will make it difficult for aliens to make unauthorized entry into India. The Government of India must tighten the defense mechanism along the borders, and put in place strict surveillance mechanisms to attempt to track persons who have crossed into Indian territory without authorization.
Strengthening Border Surveillance: India’s borders are a major migratory route for people seeking better economic opportunities. While some efforts for strengthening border controls along the border were envisaged, better security measures and infrastructure between India and Bangladesh could prove to be a deterrent against illegal migration in the region.
Border Fencing: A secure fence is a major step in protecting the border. Border fencing as a potential tool to prevent illegal migration, will help to prevent terrorists and criminals from entering the country. Such a fence will be very effective if put in place at urban locations and access banks like rivers, valleys, mountains, etc. Parallel to the fencing, there shall be a road on both the sides of the fence which will further enhance its effectiveness. This road will ensure that patrolling can be done properly along the border.
