Rohingya Infiltration: A Security and Policy Concern for India
Introduction
In recent years, the issue of
Rohingya infiltration has emerged as a significant concern for India, both in
terms of internal security and policy response. While the international
community views the Rohingyas as victims of ethnic persecution, India must
evaluate this crisis through a lens of national interest. The unchecked influx
of illegal Rohingya immigrants into Indian territory poses a potential threat
to the country’s demographic balance, socio-economic fabric, and internal
security. This research paper provides a comprehensive examination of the
historical context, the reasons behind Myanmar’s expulsion of the Rohingyas,
their movement into neighboring countries, especially India, and the
implications of their continued presence. The study also evaluates the state
and central government responses and offers practical recommendations for
safeguarding India’s national interest.
Historical Background of the
Rohingya Presence in Myanmar
The Rohingyas are a Muslim ethnic
group who have resided in the Rakhine (formerly Arakan) state of Myanmar for
generations. However, their historical claim to indigeneity in Myanmar has been
widely disputed. Their conduct during British colonial rule and subsequent
decades has led to rising tensions. Multiple historical accounts and local
testimonies report that during periods of instability, particularly around
World War II, some Rohingya factions were involved in violent acts against local
Rakhine Buddhists, including looting, rape, and murder. These actions have been
deeply etched into the collective memory of the region and have contributed to
the long-standing animosity.
There have also been claims that
certain Rohingya groups aimed to establish Sharia-based governance in the
region, particularly when they had demographic strength. This perceived agenda
of imposing religious law in a traditionally Buddhist region was viewed as a
serious threat by the local population and successive governments. When in
minority, these groups are often seen portraying themselves as victims to
garner international sympathy, but this narrative does not align with the
realities faced by locals in Myanmar.
Myanmar’s Citizenship Law and Expulsion Policy
In 1982, the Myanmar government enacted a new Citizenship Law that excluded the Rohingyas from the list of recognized ethnic groups, effectively rendering them stateless. This move was driven by a perception that the Rohingyas were a threat to national identity and sovereignty. The military junta, emphasizing a homogenous Burmese identity, considered the Rohingyas a demographic and ideological risk. Over the years, this led to several military operations aimed at "clearing out" illegal elements. Notable among these was the 1978 Operation King Dragon, which led to the first major exodus of Rohingyas. The situation culminated in 2016-17, when Myanmar's military launched a large-scale crackdown following attacks by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA). The operations resulted in mass killings, widespread violence, and displacement, forcing over 700,000 Rohingyas to flee to Bangladesh.
Bangladesh’s Temporary Hosting and India’s Emerging Concern
Although Bangladesh initially
provided refuge on humanitarian grounds, it has repeatedly expressed its
unwillingness to absorb the Rohingyas permanently. The camps in Cox’s Bazar
have now become densely populated zones with deteriorating living conditions
and rising law and order issues. Meanwhile, India has witnessed a growing
influx of Rohingyas through porous borders in West Bengal, Assam, and the
Northeast. From there, they have spread to urban centers such as Delhi, Jammu,
and Hyderabad, often using forged documents such as Aadhaar and voter IDs to
settle illegally.
Security Threats, Criminal
Backgrounds, and Radical Links
The unchecked entry and illegal
settlement of Rohingyas have raised significant security concerns. Several
intelligence reports from Indian agencies such as IB and NIA have highlighted
potential links between Rohingya individuals and radical Islamic groups,
including Lashkar-e-Taiba and HuJI. The existence of ARSA, a known militant
outfit operating in Myanmar, adds to the suspicion that radical elements might
use refugee populations as cover to destabilize India. There have been reports
of weapon smuggling, human trafficking, and involvement in communal incidents
involving illegal Rohingya settlers.
Moreover, criminal records of some
Rohingya individuals show involvement in organized crime, including narcotics,
theft, and violent offenses. In regions like Jammu and parts of Delhi, their
increasing numbers have led to clashes with locals, posing a serious challenge
to law enforcement agencies.
Problems Posed by Rohingya
Infiltration in India
The influx of Rohingyas into India
has created a multi-dimensional problem affecting security, social harmony, and
economic balance. The first major concern is national security. Intelligence
reports suggest that some Rohingyas have established contacts with extremist groups,
raising fears of sleeper cells and terror-related activities. Their illegal
entry and the use of fake Indian documents make it difficult to track and
monitor their movements, creating vulnerabilities in internal security systems.
Secondly, their presence strains
India's already overburdened public resources. In several Indian cities, they
occupy unauthorized settlements and slums, leading to sanitation issues,
encroachments, and competition for low-wage jobs. This not only affects poor
Indian laborers but also increases the risk of social friction and unrest.
Third, law enforcement agencies have
reported cases of Rohingyas engaging in criminal activities like theft, drug
trafficking, human smuggling, and even communal violence. In areas where their
population has grown significantly—like Jammu, Mewat, and Hyderabad—local
communities have reported rising tension due to their aggressive behavior and
disregard for local laws.
Moreover, the demographic imbalance
caused by their settlement in sensitive border and tribal regions threatens to
alter local culture and electoral dynamics, fueling anger among indigenous
communities and regional groups.
If left unchecked, the long-term
consequences may include increased radicalization, communal polarization, and
destabilization of internal peace in parts of the country.
West Bengal Government’s Role and
Political Approach
The state of West Bengal has emerged
as one of the key entry points for Rohingya migrants into India due to its long
and porous border with Bangladesh. However, rather than acting decisively to
stop illegal infiltration, the West Bengal government has often taken a lenient
or even supportive stance towards Rohingya settlements. Political observers
suggest that this approach is driven more by vote bank politics than national
interest.
Despite central directives and
security warnings, the state machinery has been reluctant to act against
illegal Rohingya colonies. In some cases, local officials have allegedly
facilitated the distribution of identity documents like ration cards and voter
IDs, making deportation efforts difficult. Moreover, political leaders in the
state have refrained from categorically acknowledging the security risks
associated with Rohingya infiltration, often citing humanitarian reasons for
their presence.
This accommodative attitude not only
undermines the central government’s immigration policy but also risks
encouraging more illegal migrants to view West Bengal as a safe haven. The
failure to control this demographic shift could have serious long-term
implications for the state’s security and cultural identity.
India’s Policy Response: Legal and
Political Dimensions
India does not recognize the
Rohingyas as refugees since it is not a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee
Convention. Instead, they are considered illegal immigrants under Indian law.
The Central Government has maintained a firm stance, instructing state
governments to identify and deport Rohingyas. However, the process has faced
legal hurdles, with the matter reaching the Supreme Court on multiple
occasions. States like Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, and Manipur have taken
initiatives to detect and expel Rohingyas, citing demographic shifts and law
and order challenges. Nevertheless, political opposition and human rights
advocacy groups continue to question the legality and morality of such
deportations.
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While India respects human rights
and the value of humanitarian concern, national security remains its topmost
priority. The government has a duty to protect its citizens from any form of
internal threat, even if it means making tough decisions. In this context,
safeguarding national integrity and social harmony takes precedence over
international opinion or emotional appeals. We cannot afford to compromise the
safety of our nation for individuals who have entered illegally and pose a
serious challenge to law and order. A nation's survival depends on firm
boundaries, clear policies, and unwavering dedication to the safety of its
people.
Demographic and Socio-Economic
Impact
The impact of illegal Rohingya
settlements on India’s socio-economic fabric is not negligible. Their presence
in already congested urban slums and labor markets adds pressure to
infrastructure, health services, and law enforcement. Moreover, their
involvement in illegal trades and unregulated employment distorts local
economies. In border states, their presence complicates ethnic dynamics,
fueling resentment among indigenous populations. Many fear that a continued
presence may shift local balances and create long-term socio-political
instability.
Recommendations and the Way Forward
Conclusion
The Rohingya crisis, while rooted in the internal affairs of Myanmar, has spilled over into South Asia, posing serious challenges for regional stability. For India, the issue is not merely humanitarian but one of national security, sovereignty, and social harmony. India must prioritize its national interest and security in responding to this ongoing crisis. While we acknowledge the importance of human rights, we must not lose sight of our responsibility to our citizens. National security is paramount, and allowing unchecked infiltration risks hollowing the nation from within. A firm, policy-driven approach—free from emotional bias—is the need of the hour.
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Prepared by: truevoiceindia AND TEAM