Assam CM: Textile Owners Abetting Illegal Bangladeshi Influx
In a pressing revelation, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has drawn attention to the involvement of Indian textile factory owners in the growing issue of illegal immigration from Bangladesh. Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, Sarma alleged that certain industrial houses are actively “importing” cheap labor from the neighboring country, exacerbating the crisis.
“Many individuals previously employed in Bangladesh’s textile sector are now entering India. Alarmingly, some textile factory owners are facilitating this by illegally sourcing cheap labor,” Sarma stated.
Sarma disclosed that the matter has been escalated to the central government and was a key topic during the North-East Council (NEC) meeting held last month in Tripura, attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
“Industries incentivizing illegal immigration were discussed at length during the NEC meeting. I have personally briefed Home Minister Amit Shah, and the Centre is addressing this issue with urgency. Our focus must remain on curbing the actions of these industrial houses,” he said.
The Chief Minister reiterated his earlier assertion that the “virtual collapse” of Bangladesh’s textile industry has significantly contributed to the surge in illegal migration. According to Sarma, the majority of these migrants belong to the dominant community in Bangladesh, classified as a minority in India.
“Political instability and economic challenges in Bangladesh have disproportionately impacted its majority community, many of whom worked in the textile industry. This has resulted in a notable influx of individuals into India,” he explained.
Sarma also expressed concerns over the potential security risks posed by illegal infiltration, particularly the threat of terrorism. He highlighted recent actions by Assam Police’s Special Task Force (STF) against sleeper cells of the banned Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), a group linked to Al Qaeda in Bangladesh.
“In recent weeks, our STF has dismantled a major module, arresting 23 individuals, including a Bangladeshi national, and confiscating weapons. We are coordinating closely with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) to neutralize such threats effectively,” Sarma said.
The Chief Minister highlighted the state’s commitment to border security, citing the successful repulsion of thousands of infiltrators since political unrest erupted in Bangladesh in August. However, he clarified that the infiltration does not involve Hindus from Bangladesh.
“Assam’s government is fully aware of the risks posed by cross-border jihadi elements. Our collaborative efforts with national security agencies ensure a robust response to these challenges,” he added.
The revelations mark a critical juncture in Assam’s efforts to address illegal immigration and its broader implications for national security and socio-economic stability.
