The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) conducted research on illegal migrants in Mumbai, revealing some startling findings.
According to TISS's report, the population of illegal Muslim migrants in Mumbai is steadily increasing, and if this trend continues, the Hindu population in Mumbai could decrease to just 54% by 2051.
The report also highlighted how undocumented migrants are obtaining fake voter IDs. TISS’s report states that the number of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar (predominantly Muslim) is rising in Mumbai, with certain political parties reportedly using them for vote-bank politics.
A seminar was organized at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi to discuss this report. The seminar was attended by the Pro-Vice Chancellor of Tata Institute, Shankar Das, the Vice Chancellor of JNU, Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit and Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council.
Here’s what Sanjeev Sanyal from the Economic Advisory Council (EAC) said on this.
Atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh: Sanjeev Sanyal expressed concern over the atrocities faced by the Hindu community in Bangladesh.
Discrimination Against Legal Migrants: He noted that even legal migrants to India face discrimination, as they are often perceived similarly to illegal migrants.
Need for Honest Investigation: Sanyal emphasized the need for an unbiased and honest investigation into this issue, free from ideological pressure.
Impact on Economy: He highlighted that illegal migration has a negative impact on the country’s economy.
Global Issue: Sanyal pointed out that this issue is not confined to India alone, noting that it was also a significant topic in the U.S. elections.
Call for Fair Resolution: He stressed the importance of distinguishing between legal and illegal migrants and finding a fair solution to address this problem effectively.
Social, Economic, and Political Analysis of Illegal Migrants: He presented a detailed data-driven study on the impacts of illegal migrants.
Impact on India: Das explained the negative effects that illegal migrants have on the country.
Drug Trafficking Along Indo-Pakistan Border: He raised the issue of drug trafficking into India through illegal migrants.
Migration from Nepal: Expressed concern about large-scale migration from Nepal.
Migrants from Bangladesh: Highlighted that a significant number of migrants from Bangladesh pose security and cultural challenges for India.
Human and Drug Trafficking on the Indo-Bangladesh Border: He addressed issues of trafficking occurring along these borders.
Bangladeshi Muslim Infiltration Attempts: He pointed out that numerous infiltration attempts by Bangladeshi Muslims have been intercepted.
Rohingya Crisis in Myanmar: Highlighted the Myanmar Rohingya crisis as a concern for India.
Impact on Population Dynamics: Illegal migrants threaten India's population structure, affecting language and culture.
Cultural Threat and Case Studies: Through case studies, he illustrated that this issue extends beyond economics and has deeper implications.
Rising Radicalization: He noted that the study found high levels of radicalization among migrants.
Unrest Among Local Citizens: Stated that the situation is causing unrest among local residents.
Marriage with Local Women: Shared that illegal migrants are often marrying local women to gain stability in India.
Notable Impact in Jharkhand: Highlighted that illegal migrants have a particularly strong impact in states like Jharkhand.
Professor Shankar Das described this issue as an extremely serious challenge to India’s security, culture, and social structure.
JNU’s Vice Chancellor, who also attended the seminar, emphasized that illegal migrants pose a major problem for India. She stated that due to illegal migration, India’s social dynamics are changing. These individuals are claiming rights over India’s resources, which prevents legitimate Indian citizens from accessing their rightful resources on time.
Additionally, illegal migrants are a significant cause of growing communal tensions and terrorism in the country.
