The Indian government is facing allegations of illegal deportations of Indian Muslims to Bangladesh, sparking fears of growing persecution. Human rights organisations say thousands of people, mostly Muslims, suspected of illegal immigration from Bangladesh have been detained across India in recent weeks, with many deported without due process of law, reported the UK's The Guardian.
Human rights groups and testimonies from deportees claim that Indian citizens are among those deported. Some who resisted being "pushed" across the border faced threats of gunfire from India's Border Security Force (BSF). Around 200 people were returned to India by Bangladesh border guards after they were found to be Indian citizens. Some had to make the arduous journey back through dangerous terrain.
"Instead of following legal procedures, India is pushing mostly Muslims and poor communities into Bangladesh without their consent," She told Taskin Fahmina from the Bangladeshi organization Odhikar. "This practice is contrary to national and international laws."
Bangladesh's foreign ministry has urged India to stop the uncoordinated deportations, but the letters have not been answered. Among those returned is a 62-year-old Hazera Khatunwho was detained by the police on 25 May and taken to the border. "They treated us like animals," she described. "We protested that we were Indians, but they threatened us with guns and shooting." On her return, she had to cross forests and rivers, which scarred her physically and mentally.
The escalation of the crackdown on alleged "illegal Bangladeshis" comes after an attack by Islamist militants in Kashmir in April that left 25 people dead. The Hindu BJP government then vowed to expel "intruders". In May, Operation Sindhoor was launched, intensifying raids and deportations, particularly in the northeastern state of Assam, where the BJP government has long targeted Muslims as "infiltrators". Activists report that about 100 detainees are missing.
In Assam, Muslims must prove citizenship before "alien tribunals", while Hindus and other religions are exempt from this process. The local prime minister Himanta Sarma said this week that deportations of "illegal aliens" would be stepped up.
Among the deportees who remain in Bangladesh is Maleka Begam, 67, from Assam, who was deported on May 27 despite having proof of Indian citizenship. Her son Imran Ali is concerned about her health and does not know how to get her back.
Delhi, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra are also affected by the deportations. In Gujarat, over 6,500 people have been detained but only 450 have been declared illegal. Bangladesh border officials have returned four Indian workers detained in Mumbai.
Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui of the Bangladesh Border Security Force has described India's policy as "deviation from humane administration" and violations of international law. Activists warn that escalating persecution of Muslims could lead to further destabilisation of the region.
The Guardian/gnews.cz - GH
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