Crackdown on Illegal Immigrants Sparks Return Movement Among Bangladeshis in Kolkata
Illegal Bangladeshis try to return to their homeland
Image: The Economic Times
In Kolkata, a crackdown on illegal Bangladeshi immigrants has led hundreds to gather at the Hakimpur checkpost in North 24 Parganas district, seeking to return to Bangladesh. Many undocumented migrants, some of whom have lived in India for years, express a desire to go back amid changing political sentiments.
- 01Hundreds of undocumented Bangladeshi immigrants are attempting to return to Bangladesh due to a government crackdown.
- 02Some immigrants claim to have lived in India since 2001, while others state they were born there.
- 03Many individuals have received Indian government documents, such as voter cards, with the help of local political parties like Trinamool Congress.
- 04The current political climate under the BJP government is perceived as hostile towards Bangladeshi immigrants, prompting their return.
- 05Holding centres have been established for undocumented immigrants in North 24 Parganas district.
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In Kolkata's North 24 Parganas district, a significant number of undocumented Bangladeshi immigrants have gathered at the Hakimpur checkpost, seeking to return to their homeland following a recent crackdown by Indian authorities. Many of these individuals have lived in India for years, with some arriving as early as 2001. They express a mix of resignation and determination to leave, citing a hostile political environment under the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as a motivating factor. Several immigrants have shared their experiences of obtaining Indian identification documents, such as PAN cards, Aadhaar cards, and voter cards, often with the assistance of local political parties like the Trinamool Congress. This assistance has allowed them to integrate into Indian society, with some even receiving benefits like Lakshmir Bhandar, a welfare scheme. However, the recent political shift has led many to feel unwelcome, prompting them to seek repatriation. The authorities have set up holding centres for those undocumented immigrants who are caught during this crackdown, further complicating their situation.
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The crackdown on illegal immigration is affecting the lives of many undocumented Bangladeshi immigrants, forcing them to consider returning to their homeland.
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