The BJP in Jharkhand has urged the Hemant Soren-led government to immediately establish detention centres in border districts to identify and hold suspected “illegal infiltrators,” alleging that the issue has been affecting several districts for years.
Addressing reporters at the BJP headquarters in Ranchi, party spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo claimed that districts such as Pakur, Jamtara, Dumka, and Sahibganj have long been facing the problem of alleged illegal Bangladeshi infiltration.
Shahdeo alleged that intensified action against suspected infiltrators in neighbouring West Bengal could push many of them towards Jharkhand.
“Jharkhand is gradually becoming a safe haven for illegal infiltrators because of the government’s lenient approach on the issue,” he claimed.
BJP Calls for Detention Centres in Border Areas
The BJP leader demanded that the Jharkhand government immediately establish detention centres in districts bordering West Bengal and launch a special verification drive to identify suspected foreign nationals.
Referring to political developments in West Bengal, Shahdeo also claimed that action there could impact Jharkhand.
“West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has clearly stated that detention centres will be established for illegal Muslim infiltrators. In view of this, the Jharkhand government must also act immediately on this serious issue,” he said.
He further argued that under the Indian Foreigners Act, the responsibility of identifying and verifying suspected foreign nationals lies with District Magistrates. Shahdeo said the state government should issue clear instructions to all district administrations and begin a comprehensive verification exercise.
BJP Links Issue to Security and Resources
Shahdeo described the issue as more than just a law-and-order concern, saying it affects the state’s social structure, employment, local resources, and national security.
“This is not merely a law-and-order matter but a serious issue linked to Jharkhand’s social fabric, local resources, employment opportunities and national security. The BJP will continue to raise this issue as the voice of the people,” he said.
He also alleged that Jharkhand has become a “safe zone” for illegal infiltrators because neighbouring BJP-ruled states have intensified surveillance and action.
Census Data Cited by BJP
During the press interaction, Shahdeo referred to census figures from the Santhal Pargana region to support his claims. He alleged that between 1951 and 2011, the tribal population in the region declined by 16%, while the Muslim population increased by 14%.
“Due to the Hemant government’s lacklustre attitude, there is a possibility of a flood of illegal infiltrators entering these border districts. They believe they will receive political patronage because of the government’s appeasement policies,” Shahdeo alleged.
The Jharkhand government has not yet responded to the BJP’s demand for detention centres or the allegations raised by the party spokesperson.
