NIA Investigates Infiltration of Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrants: National Security
NIA probes illegal Bangladeshi infiltration, uncovering networks threatening national security.
Photo by Joel Muniz
Key Facts
NIA investigating illegal Bangladeshi immigrant infiltration
Networks operating from border states
Investigation aims to dismantle syndicate, trace money trail
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper 2: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International relations
GS Paper 3: Security - Linkage between development and spread of extremism.
Potential question types: Statement-based, Analytical, Critical analysis of government policies
Visual Insights
Infiltration Routes of Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrants (2026)
Map showing the border states and identified infiltration routes used by illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. The color intensity indicates the estimated volume of infiltration.
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More Information
Background
The issue of undocumented migration into India, particularly from Bangladesh, has deep historical roots, tracing back to the Partition of India in 1947. The Radcliffe Line, which demarcated the border, led to displacement and cross-border movement. Subsequent conflicts, economic disparities, and environmental factors in Bangladesh have further contributed to migration flows.
The Assam Movement in the 1970s and 80s highlighted concerns about demographic changes and led to the signing of the Assam Accord in 1985, which aimed to identify and deport illegal immigrants. The Citizenship Act of 1955, amended in 2003 and 2019, has been central to defining citizenship criteria and addressing the issue of illegal immigration, sparking considerable debate and controversy.
Latest Developments
In recent years, there has been increased focus on border management and security to curb illegal immigration. The construction of border fences, increased surveillance, and coordinated efforts between border security forces of India and Bangladesh are ongoing. The National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise in Assam, aimed at identifying genuine citizens, has been a significant development, although it has faced criticism and challenges regarding its implementation and accuracy.
The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), passed in 2019, has further complicated the issue, as it offers a path to Indian citizenship for religious minorities (excluding Muslims) who have fled persecution from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. The future outlook involves continued efforts to strengthen border security, address humanitarian concerns, and find a comprehensive solution that balances national security with human rights.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Assam Accord of 1985: 1. It aimed to identify and deport all illegal immigrants who entered Assam after March 24, 1971. 2. It granted citizenship to all refugees, regardless of their religion, who entered India before December 31, 2014. 3. The accord led to the establishment of the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act (IMDT) in Assam. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Assam Accord does not grant citizenship to all refugees. Statement 3 is incorrect as the IMDT Act was enacted to make the detection and deportation of illegal immigrants more difficult, contradicting the Assam Accord's objectives.
2. With reference to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), 2019, which of the following statements is NOT correct?
- A.It offers a path to Indian citizenship for religious minorities who have fled persecution from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
- B.It applies to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.
- C.It provides citizenship to all illegal migrants irrespective of their religion.
- D.The Act does not apply to tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, or areas under the Inner Line Permit (ILP).
Show Answer
Answer: C
The CAA does not provide citizenship to all illegal migrants irrespective of their religion. It specifically targets religious minorities (excluding Muslims) from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who have fled persecution.
3. Which of the following factors primarily contributes to the illegal immigration from Bangladesh to India?
- A.Political instability in India
- B.Higher wages and better economic opportunities in India compared to Bangladesh
- C.Strict border control measures implemented by Bangladesh
- D.Lower population density in Bangladesh
Show Answer
Answer: B
Economic factors, such as higher wages and better economic opportunities in India, are a primary driver of illegal immigration from Bangladesh. People seek better livelihoods and escape poverty.