In India, the ongoing immigration raids have left thousands of Bengali-Muslim families grappling with an uncertain future, particularly in the affluent suburb of Gurugram, just outside Delhi. The nation, known for its cultural diversity, contrasts sharply between its luxury high-rises and the nearby slums where many Bengali-speaking Muslims reside.
Recently, local authorities conducted a "verification" sweep aimed at illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, detaining hundreds of predominantly Bengali-speaking Muslims who claim to have lived and worked in the city for years. Many detainees assert that their documentation, including national IDs, was dismissed as counterfeit, exposing them to mistreatment while in custody—claims that the police vehemently deny.
"I had my voter and national ID cards, but they told me they were fake. I spent six days not knowing my fate before I was finally released," recounted Ather Ali Sheikh, a long-term daily-wage worker. These detentions have ripples across the social fabric of Gurugram, causing hundreds to flee their homes, jobs, and communities in search of safety.
Public relations officer Sandeep Kumar insists that race or class does not factor into their operations, claiming that actions taken were strictly objective and based on evidence gathered concerning illegal migrants. However, the ensuing chaos and increasing rubbish piles on the streets illustrate the ramifications of the hunt for undocumented workers, complicating lives for both residents and employers alike.
The relationship between India and its eastern neighbor, Bangladesh, has long been marked by movement across the porous 4,096-kilometer border, leading to periodic crackdowns by authorities. Notably, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration, there has been a marked intensification of efforts to identify illegal immigrants, specifically targeting Bengali-speaking Muslims.
In various parts of India, particularly in Assam, deportations of Bengali-Muslims under suspicion of being illegal have sparked protests on the grounds of rights violations. These policies have instilled fear among the community, with many existing in a state of anxiety, fearful of losing their homes and identities.
For many, the threat of deportation hangs over their everyday lives like a dark cloud. Rauna Bibi, a domestic worker, expressed profound disappointment at her husband’s instant departure upon hearing news of the raids, highlighting the psychological toll of such policies.
Amid claims that only a small number of detentions have actually led to confirmed deportations, the broader community’s apprehension remains palpable. Suspicion often stems from linguistic identity—facing questions about ancestry, many believe discriminatory practices are at play.
Suhas Chakma, a human rights advocate, emphasizes that while the policy may not explicitly target specific religions, its impact appears disproportionately on Muslims due to demographic representation across the border. Advocates argue that India requires a comprehensive refugee law to navigate these complex immigration realities properly.
With electricity being cut off in some slum regions due to legal conflicts over ownership, residents express a deeper sense of despair—hoping for basic human needs like electricity while grappling with possible deportation. “I am so exhausted,” Baijan Bibi exclaimed, criticizing the brutal realities they face. The specter of these immigration policies looms large, leaving many to question where they ultimately belong.
Recently, local authorities conducted a "verification" sweep aimed at illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, detaining hundreds of predominantly Bengali-speaking Muslims who claim to have lived and worked in the city for years. Many detainees assert that their documentation, including national IDs, was dismissed as counterfeit, exposing them to mistreatment while in custody—claims that the police vehemently deny.
"I had my voter and national ID cards, but they told me they were fake. I spent six days not knowing my fate before I was finally released," recounted Ather Ali Sheikh, a long-term daily-wage worker. These detentions have ripples across the social fabric of Gurugram, causing hundreds to flee their homes, jobs, and communities in search of safety.
Public relations officer Sandeep Kumar insists that race or class does not factor into their operations, claiming that actions taken were strictly objective and based on evidence gathered concerning illegal migrants. However, the ensuing chaos and increasing rubbish piles on the streets illustrate the ramifications of the hunt for undocumented workers, complicating lives for both residents and employers alike.
The relationship between India and its eastern neighbor, Bangladesh, has long been marked by movement across the porous 4,096-kilometer border, leading to periodic crackdowns by authorities. Notably, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration, there has been a marked intensification of efforts to identify illegal immigrants, specifically targeting Bengali-speaking Muslims.
In various parts of India, particularly in Assam, deportations of Bengali-Muslims under suspicion of being illegal have sparked protests on the grounds of rights violations. These policies have instilled fear among the community, with many existing in a state of anxiety, fearful of losing their homes and identities.
For many, the threat of deportation hangs over their everyday lives like a dark cloud. Rauna Bibi, a domestic worker, expressed profound disappointment at her husband’s instant departure upon hearing news of the raids, highlighting the psychological toll of such policies.
Amid claims that only a small number of detentions have actually led to confirmed deportations, the broader community’s apprehension remains palpable. Suspicion often stems from linguistic identity—facing questions about ancestry, many believe discriminatory practices are at play.
Suhas Chakma, a human rights advocate, emphasizes that while the policy may not explicitly target specific religions, its impact appears disproportionately on Muslims due to demographic representation across the border. Advocates argue that India requires a comprehensive refugee law to navigate these complex immigration realities properly.
With electricity being cut off in some slum regions due to legal conflicts over ownership, residents express a deeper sense of despair—hoping for basic human needs like electricity while grappling with possible deportation. “I am so exhausted,” Baijan Bibi exclaimed, criticizing the brutal realities they face. The specter of these immigration policies looms large, leaving many to question where they ultimately belong.
