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The Hemant Soren administration in Jharkhand is facing increasing criticism for its alleged failure to tackle two growing and interconnected problems: the surge of extremism and the unchecked flow of illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators.
These pressing issues not only jeopardize Jharkhand’s security and social cohesion but also cast doubt on the effectiveness of the state’s governance and administrative capabilities.
A recent operation by the Delhi Police, Jharkhand ATS, and central agencies uncovered a major Al-Qaeda network, exposing a plot to establish Khilafat in India. The raid resulted in the arrest of 12 individuals, including a doctor, a madrasa teacher, and several others in low-income jobs. Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmed, an MBBS doctor from Jharkhand, is believed to be the leader of the group, with alleged international ties. Dr. Ahmed recruited youths through Mufti Rahmatullah Majhiri, a madrasa teacher in Chanho, Ranchi, to support the organisation’s cause.
What stands out in this case is not only the involvement of educated individuals like Dr. Ahmed but also the deep local connections the arrested had within the community. Many of those involved came from impoverished backgrounds, working in jobs like number plate-making and tire repair. This diversity underscores how extremist factions deliberately infiltrate different social levels to spread their ideology.
The Challenge of Illegal Infiltration
Simultaneously, Jharkhand is grappling with an increasing problem of illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators, particularly in the Santhal Pargana region, including districts like Pakur. According to the 2011 Census, Pakur’s population growth was officially noted at 28%. However, a recent review of voter registration found a staggering 65% voter growth in Muslim-majority areas of Pakur, suggesting that illegal migrants may be influencing the local demographics and election outcomes.
Despite the serious nature of these findings, the Pakur district administration’s verification process was criticized for being hastily conducted, finishing in just three days. It relied solely on matching voter IDs with Aadhaar, lacking a deeper examination of fraudulent documents. This has raised concerns about the prevalence of fake Aadhaar cards and birth certificates, which have been reported in Santhal.
Jharkhand Government’s Response
At the heart of these issues is the perception that the Hemant Soren-led government is turning a blind eye to illegal Bangladeshi infiltration. Critics argue that the JMM-Congress coalition is indirectly encouraging this influx to expand its voter base for political gain. By prioritizing electoral advantages over national security and communal harmony, the government risks undermining Jharkhand’s stability.
Additionally, the administration’s half-hearted approach to voter list verification has raised questions about its commitment to maintaining electoral transparency. Only 9 out of 263 polling stations in Pakur-Maheshpur were examined for unusual voter increases, signaling a lack of resolve to address the matter. Official explanations, which attribute the rise in voter numbers to natural population growth and awareness drives, fail to explain the specific demographic anomalies in the region.
A Larger Threat
The parallel rise of extremism and illegal immigration paints a troubling picture for Jharkhand. If left unresolved, these dual threats could have lasting impacts not only on Jharkhand’s internal security but also on the broader socio-political landscape of India. Unchecked extremist ideologies could lead to regional instability, while the continuous inflow of illegal migrants threatens to distort the demographic balance and weaken the rule of law.
Source: https://www.oneindia.com/india/jharkhand-rising-threat-of-extremism-and-illegal-bangladeshi-infiltrators-3917089.html
