Answer:

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.