Written by 12:36 pm India, News Views: 0

India Deports 2,500 Alleged Bangladeshi Migrants Amid Human Rights Concerns

Since May 2025, India has deported over 2,500 alleged Bangladeshi immigrants. The mass deportation has raised concerns about human rights, legal procedures, and international laws.

Deportation Drive Across Multiple States

The deportation campaign began on 7 May 2025. Authorities detained suspected undocumented migrants across states like Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Assam, and Rajasthan. The detainees were transferred to border states like Assam, Tripura, and Meghalaya.

There, Border Security Force (BSF) officials pushed them across the border into Bangladesh. This time, detainees were even flown to the border using air force aircraft.

Crackdown Linked to Kashmir Terror Attack

The government launched the campaign after a terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on 22 April 2025. The attack killed 26 civilians and led to fresh conflict with Pakistan.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said nearly 1,000 suspected Bangladeshis were detained in recent months. Of these, 303 people have already been expelled.

Digital Database Powers Identifications

Authorities are using the Foreigners Identification Portal (FIP) to track and verify suspected migrants. The system was originally designed in 2018 to track Rohingya refugees. Now, it stores biometric and demographic data of suspected Bangladeshi migrants.

The database cross-checks citizenship details when people apply for IDs like Aadhaar, voter ID, or ration cards.

Central Government Sets Strict Deadlines

The Home Ministry has given states 30 days to verify the identity of undocumented migrants. This order uses a centralized server that gathers data from immigration and border agencies.

The drive also targets Rohingya refugees and foreign nationals already in detention.

Legal Battles and Controversies

The government uses Section 6A of the Citizenship Act (1955) to bypass Foreigners Tribunals. This section allows people who entered Assam between 1966 and 1971 to apply for citizenship. Assamese groups have long opposed this rule.

Foreigners Tribunals often make errors. For example, Assam resident Rahim Ali was wrongly declared a foreigner. After 12 years of legal battles, the Supreme Court finally recognized him as Indian — after his death.

Bangladesh Protests Deportations

On 8 May 2025, Bangladesh lodged a formal complaint against these deportations. Officials in Dhaka want the issue settled through legal and diplomatic talks.

While India claims illegal migration is rising, Bangladesh reports that the flow has decreased. Bangladesh’s per capita income briefly surpassed India’s in 2020-21, weakening claims that economic desperation drives migration.

Over 2,360 deportation cases still wait for citizenship confirmation from Bangladesh.

Multiple Detentions Reported

In Delhi, police arrested 66 more alleged Bangladeshi immigrants. Many deportees, however, insist they are Indian citizens.

Individual Cases Expose Flaws

Khairul Islam, a teacher from Assam, was arrested on 23 May 2025. Four days later, police deported him to Bangladesh. In a video, Islam said his hands were tied, and he was treated like a criminal.

His legal case is still pending in the Supreme Court. His family has already submitted documents proving his Indian citizenship.

“This is injustice,” Islam said. “We are not Bangladeshis. We are Indian-born citizens.”

Human Rights Groups Condemn Deportations

Over 125 human rights activists, academics, and lawyers have condemned the deportations. They called the campaign a violation of India’s constitution and demanded the government allow deported citizens to return.

“This is not only a legal failure but also a humanitarian crisis,” they stated.

Rohingya Refugees Also Targeted

Reports claim that 40 Rohingya refugees were flown from Delhi to the Andaman Islands. They were then allegedly abandoned at sea near Myanmar while blindfolded and handcuffed.

Between 7 and 9 May 2025, about 300 people, including Rohingyas, were pushed back into Bangladesh via remote border areas.

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