Answer:
Approach:
Introduction
- Begin with the presentation of the issue at hand – illegal trans-border migration into India, underlining its significance in terms of national security.
Body
- Mention the various security threats posed by illegal migration.
- Discuss the strategies implemented by the Indian government to tackle this issue.
- Mention the various factors contributing to illegal migration.
Conclusion
- Conclude by acknowledging the complexity of the issue and the need for a comprehensive and balanced approach that takes into account security concerns, socio-economic implications, and humanitarian aspects.
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Introduction:
Illegal trans-border migration into India, particularly in regions such as Assam and Tamil Nadu, poses a considerable threat to the nation’s security. The vast, diverse geography of India, coupled with its economic prospects, makes it a target for illicit migration. The magnitude of this issue can be gauged from a report published by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2020, which estimated that there are over 2 million illegal immigrants residing in India, a significant number of which are in Assam and Tamil Nadu.
Body:
Security Threats Posed by Illegal Trans-Border Migration:
- Terrorism and Infiltration:
- The 2008 Mumbai attacks, in which terrorists used sea routes to infiltrate the country, underscored the risks posed by illegal migration.
- In Tamil Nadu, there have been concerns about links between illegal Sri Lankan immigrants and militant groups such as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
- Crime and Insurgency:
- Illegal migration has been linked to an upsurge in criminal activities.
- For example, the India-Bangladesh border has reportedly been a hotbed for smuggling and human trafficking. I
- n the North-Eastern states, insurgency has been fueled by unchecked illegal migration.
- Social Unrest:
- Rapid demographic shifts due to illegal migration have led to social tensions and violence.
- The Assam Agitation in the 1980s and more recently, sporadic violence against Sri Lankan refugees in Tamil Nadu, highlight this issue.
Strategies to Curb Illegal Trans-Border Migration:
- Enhanced Surveillance:
- India has significantly beefed up its border security.
- The Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) project leverages technology for enhanced border monitoring.
- In Tamil Nadu, coastal security has been strengthened to prevent illegal maritime migration from Sri Lanka.
- Legal Measures:
- The government has undertaken various legal measures such as the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) at the national level.
- However, these initiatives have sparked significant debate due to their potential humanitarian implications.
- Bilateral Cooperation:
- India has sought to bolster cooperation with its neighbors.
- The 2015 Land Boundary Agreement with Bangladesh is a significant milestone in this regard.
Factors Driving Illegal Trans-Border Migration:
- Economic Opportunity: The relatively better economic prospects in India act as a significant pull factor for migrants from countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
- Political Unrest and Conflict: Political instability and conflict in neighboring nations, such as the Sri Lankan Civil War, have driven people to seek refuge in India.
- Environmental Factors: Climate change and related disasters are becoming a notable driver of migration, particularly from Bangladesh’s low-lying areas.
- Socio-cultural Ties: Shared linguistic and cultural ties facilitate integration of migrants into the local population, as witnessed with Sri Lankan Tamils in Tamil Nadu.
Conclusion:
Addressing the challenge of illegal trans-border migration requires a nuanced, multi-pronged approach that factors in security imperatives, socio-economic dynamics, and humanitarian concerns. The intensity and multi-dimensional aspects of this issue underscore the need for comprehensive, sustainable solutions.
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