Rising Extremism and Illegal Bangladeshi Migration Stir Trouble in Jharkhand

The Hemant Soren government in Jharkhand is facing growing criticism over its perceived inability to tackle two major and interrelated problems: the rise of extremism and the unrestrained influx of illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators. Reports of such incidents have been doing rounds in the media that are creating a situation of panic in the state.

These pressing issues are not only disrupting the social harmony and security of Jharkhand but also casting serious doubts on the state’s administrative competence and governance efficacy.

In a joint operation by Delhi Police, Jharkhand ATS, and central agencies, a significant Al-Qaeda module was dismantled, uncovering a plot to establish Khilafat in India. Among the 12 arrested were a doctor, madrasa teacher, and several others working menial jobs. Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmed, a Jharkhand-based MBBS doctor with alleged international ties, was identified as the mastermind. Dr. Ahmed reportedly sought the help of Mufti Rahmatullah Majhiri, a madrasa teacher from Chanho, Ranchi, to recruit local youth into the extremist group.

The involvement of educated professionals like Dr. Ahmed, alongside economically disadvantaged individuals performing simple tasks like tire repair and number plate making, reveals a calculated effort by extremist groups to infiltrate multiple levels of society. The diverse backgrounds of the accused point to a dangerous trend where radical ideologies are spreading across various socio-economic strata.

The Crisis of Illegal Infiltration

Compounding the issue of extremism is the escalating problem of illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators in Jharkhand, especially in the Santhal Pargana region, including districts like Pakur. While the official 2011 Census records a 28% population growth rate in Pakur, recent findings show that the voter growth rate in Muslim-majority areas of the district is a staggering 65%. This discrepancy suggests a significant influx of illegal migrants, potentially altering the region’s demographic and electoral balance.

The verification process led by the Pakur district administration, which aimed to address these anomalies, has been widely criticized for its superficial nature. Completed in a mere three days, the investigation relied on cross-referencing voter cards with Aadhaar numbers, without delving deeply into document authenticity. This cursory process failed to address the widespread fabrication of identity documents like Aadhaar and birth certificates reported in the region.

Jharkhand Government’s Accountability

The lenient approach of the Hemant Soren administration toward illegal infiltration is seen as a root cause of these troubling developments. Many critics argue that the JMM-Congress alliance is tacitly allowing this unchecked migration for political benefit, attempting to create a sympathetic voter base in the process. This alleged strategy raises concerns about national security and communal stability, as well as the government’s true priorities.

Moreover, the lackluster voter verification effort—where only 9 out of 263 polling stations in Pakur-Maheshpur were investigated—calls into question the administration’s commitment to protecting electoral integrity. Explanations citing natural population growth and awareness campaigns fail to adequately explain the glaring demographic anomalies that have emerged.

The Broader Implications

Time and again media ha reported the intertwining issues of extremism and illegal migration that presents a worrying trajectory for Jharkhand. If left unchecked, these challenges could have serious repercussions, not just for the state’s internal security but also for India’s socio-political landscape. Rising extremism threatens regional stability, while the continuous influx of illegal migrants jeopardizes the rule of law and shifts the demographic balance in ways that could lead to long-term discord.