Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction

• Define Illegal Migration: Briefly explain what constitutes illegal migration under Indian law, such as foreign nationals entering without valid travel documents or overstaying permitted durations (as per the Citizenship Act, 1955).
• Context: Mention the growing concerns about illegal migration, especially along India’s borders with Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Pakistan, due to ethnic violence and persecution in neighboring countries.

2. Impact of Illegal Migration on India’s Internal Security

• Changing Demographics and Social Unrest:
  • Explanation: Discuss how large-scale illegal migration disturbs the demographic balance, leading to regional instability and ethnic violence.
  • Example: The demand for Bodoland and communal violence in Assam, linked to the influx of illegal migrants, specifically from Bangladesh (Source: India’s Ministry of Home Affairs, reports on Assam unrest).
• Radicalization and Terrorism:
  • Explanation: Illegal migration can lead to marginalization of migrants, creating a fertile ground for radicalization and extremism.
  • Example: Rohingya migrants’ alleged links with Pakistan-based terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (Source: Intelligence Bureau Reports, 2017).
• Smuggling and Human Trafficking:
  • Explanation: Illegal migration along porous borders fosters criminal activities such as arms smuggling, human trafficking, and drug trade.
  • Example: Arms smuggling via the Myanmar and Pakistan borders, trafficking of women from Nepal (Source: Reports by India’s Border Security Force).
• Proxy for External Actors:
  • Explanation: Migrants can be exploited by foreign intelligence agencies to conduct operations within India.
  • Example: Alleged use of illegal migrants by Pakistan’s ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) for espionage and terror operations (Source: Reports from Indian intelligence agencies).

3. Measures in Place to Address Security Challenges

• Border Management and Fencing:
  • Explanation: Discuss the technological and physical infrastructure to control illegal migration.
  • Example: The Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System and border fencing along the Indo-Pakistan and Indo-Bangladesh borders (Source: Ministry of Home Affairs, 2023 updates).
• Legal Framework and Enforcement:
  • Explanation: Highlight laws and regulatory measures to address illegal migration.
  • Example: The National Register of Citizens (NRC) process in Assam, Foreigners Act (1946), and Tribunal formation to handle disputes (Source: Assam NRC Data, 2019).
• Intelligence Sharing and Cooperation:
  • Explanation: India’s cooperation with neighboring countries to tackle illegal migration through intelligence exchange.
  • Example: India-Bangladesh intelligence cooperation to track extremist activities (Source: Border Security Force, Ministry of Home Affairs).

4. Conclusion

• Summary: Recap the security threats posed by illegal migration and how India’s measures, such as border management, legal frameworks, and intelligence cooperation, aim to address these challenges.
• Way Forward: Suggest that India needs to continue strengthening its security frameworks, both domestically and regionally, to effectively deal with illegal migration and its associated threats.

Relevant Facts to Include:

• Illegal Migration Definition (Citizenship Act, 1955): Illegal migrants are foreign nationals entering without valid documents or overstaying permitted time periods.
• Demographic Impact (Assam Violence): Assam has witnessed ethnic violence and regional instability partly attributed to the influx of illegal migrants, particularly from Bangladesh.
• Radicalization (Rohingyas and Terrorism): Rohingya migrants have been allegedly linked to Pakistan-based terror organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba, raising concerns about radicalization.
• Smuggling and Human Trafficking: Reports by BSF indicate that illegal migration exacerbates arms smuggling and human trafficking along the Indo-Myanmar and Indo-Pakistan borders.
• Proxy Operations (ISI): Intelligence reports have suggested that illegal migrants from Pakistan and Bangladesh might be used by foreign intelligence agencies like ISI for covert operations in India.
• Border Security (Comprehensive Border Management System): The Indian government has deployed technology, fencing, and security posts to secure porous borders, especially with Bangladesh and Pakistan.
• NRC and Foreigners Act (1946): The NRC process in Assam and the Foreigners Act are vital tools used by India to identify and regulate the status of illegal migrants.