More than one-third of Assam's population are immigrants, says former BSF DG
Former Border Security Force Director General Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary suggested electoral reforms and screening to address illegal migration in the state.
Former Border Security Force (BSF) Director General Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary stated that more than one-third of the population in Assam are immigrants. Speaking to The Assam Tribune, Mooshahary said it is difficult to assess how many of these individuals arrived after 1971.
Mooshahary suggested that the government should implement electoral reforms and ensure proper screening for the inclusion of names in electoral rolls. He said that the mechanical inclusion of names in these rolls should be stopped.
The former top official noted that while BSF strength has increased and infiltration rates have reduced, some people still sneak into India. He said that once they enter, identifying illegal migrants becomes difficult and the entire government machinery should be activated to detect them.
Mooshahary said a study conducted during his tenure found that around 50 per cent of Bangladeshi nationals who entered India with valid documents for reasons such as treatment did not return. He noted this happens mostly in West Bengal.
The former BSF DG said that migration into Assam began during Mughal times and intensified during British rule. He added that although the Assam Accord was signed in 1985, pushing back Bangladeshi nationals remains a major problem.
Mooshahary stated that an idea of the number of illegal migrants in Assam will be available once the ongoing census is over.