Ahead of the 2024 Jharkhand elections, the issue of demographic change in tribal areas has become increasingly contentious. Concerns have been mounting in recent years following what many see as the questionable policies of the current Hemant Soren government. An affidavit by the Jharkhand government filed in the Supreme Court on the issue has even raised legal concerns.
In this context, recent remarks by Union Home Minister Amit Shah have directly raised questions about the JMM-led India Bloc government. Shah said, “The Hemant Soren government is encouraging infiltrators. Once our government comes to power, we will not spare them. I would like to tell the infiltrators to stop sleeping peacefully.”
This is not the first time that the JMM government has come under fire for allegedly supporting illegal immigrants in Jharkhand. Critics allege that the current administration is either knowingly or unwittingly settling people in the state without permission. This not only impacts law and order but also changes the culture of the region and upsets the demographics of the voters.
Threat to national security Political leaders and social activists have expressed concern that the government’s actions are encouraging infiltration, especially in sensitive border areas. Allegations persist that the government’s lenient policies allow illegal immigrants to obtain official documents, making it more difficult to verify their identity. This situation is seen as a threat to both the unique identity of indigenous communities and national security.
Public anger over Ankita’s murder remains strong. Not only was she allegedly tortured and killed, but there were also reports of an attempt to forcibly convert her. The state government’s response to the case has been heavily criticised and is a worrying reflection of the current law and order situation in Jharkhand.
Concerns are growing that the government’s stance may indirectly encourage bad actors to exploit state resources without accountability.
Observers argue that the government’s deliberate ignorance of the issue of illegal immigration is due to voter politics. The JMM has consistently dismissed the issue, claiming that the problem of illegal immigration does not exist. However, a recent Hindustan Times report highlighting that the Sahibganj district magistrate has acknowledged the arrest of four Bangladeshi infiltrators since 2017, acknowledging the changing demographics of the area, an admission that has drawn increased attention to the Soren government.
Astriking example of demographic change is Boniadi, the village of legendary Santal revolutionaries Sidho and Kanho. Here, the tribal population is now a minority, with the majority Muslim. This is a significant development, especially as the village lies in Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s Balkhite constituency.
