THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
RANCHI, May 27: BJP state spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo on Wednesday alleged that illegal infiltrators are increasingly entering Jharkhand from neighbouring West Bengal and demanded the immediate establishment of detention centres in border districts.
Pratul claimed that stricter action against illegal infiltrators in West Bengal has triggered movement towards Jharkhand, especially in border districts such as Pakur, Jamtara, Dumka and Sahibganj.
BJP cites Centre’s anti-infiltration measures
Referring to the Centre’s decision to form a high-level committee under former Supreme Court judge Justice Prakash Prabhat Naolekar, Pratul said the Union Government has taken a firm stand on illegal infiltration in the interest of national security.
“The Central Government is not prepared to compromise on the country’s internal security or demographic balance,” he said.
He added that the Union Home Ministry has also expressed concern over the alleged impact of illegal infiltration on the cultural and social fabric of tribal communities.
‘Jharkhand becoming safe zone’
Pratul alleged that Jharkhand is gradually turning into a “safe zone” for illegal infiltrators because of the Hemant Soren government’s “soft approach” towards the issue.
He claimed that infiltrators believe they may receive political patronage in Jharkhand due to the state government’s alleged appeasement policies.
The BJP leader also referred to census data, claiming that between 1951 and 2011, the tribal population in the Santhal Pargana region declined by 16 per cent while the Muslim population rose by 14 per cent.
Demand for detention centres
Pratul urged Chief Minister Hemant Soren to immediately establish detention centres in border districts and launch a special verification drive to identify suspected foreign nationals.
Citing provisions of the Foreigners Act, he said district magistrates have the authority to verify suspected foreign nationals and should be directed to carry out comprehensive checks.
He said the issue concerns not only law and order but also Jharkhand’s social fabric, local resources, employment and national security.