GUWAHATI, April 29 - What is the solution to the illegal migration problem in Assam, a phenomenon that has already assumed an uncontrollable proportion and fuelled large-scale disturbances? Is the NRC the solution to it? What will happen to the illegal migrants identified after the NRC is updated?
As many such pertinent questions continue to linger in Assam even after 33 years of the Assam Agitation, former IPS officer Hiranya Bhattacharyya has suggested creation of a �labour force� with the illegal migrants, which might also help contribute to the State�s GDP.
�There is no hope that those illegal migrants, detected after the NRC is updated, will be taken back by Bangladesh. What can be done is that we can create a labour force with these people, which can be utilised in other States and even abroad,� Bhattacharyya said at a programme organised here today, during which two of his latest books � Operation Lebensraum: Illegal Migration from Bangladesh and Biswabiyapi Agrashi Anuprabesh � were released.
To support his suggestion, Bhattacharyya cited Bangladesh�s overseas labour force which has been contributing to that country�s GDP.
Published by Bloomsbury, Operation Lebensraum: Illegal Migration from Bangladesh offers an insider�s perspective into the phenomenon of illegal immigration into Assam, how it remained unchecked for decades, and the governments� utter failure in taking preventive measures. The book also refers to the trends of illegal migration in the other parts of India�s eastern region and across the globe.
The book also draws comparisons with similar patterns and events from around the world, especially on the US government policies for tackling illegal migration from Mexico.
The term �lebensraum� was coined by German geographer Friedrich Ratzel (1844-1904), which means �living space�, and according to which, the development of all species, including humans, is primarily determined by their adaptation to geographical circumstances.
Releasing the book, Dr Nirmal Kumar Choudhury, former Vice Chancellor of Gauhati University, appreciated the efforts put in by the writer and said the book will help find a solution to the long-pending problem plaguing the State.
Published by Bandhab, Bhattacharyya�s 22nd book Biswabiyapi Agrashi Anuprabesh was formally released by educationist Dr Amarjyoti Choudhury.
�The speciality of the book is that while it is research-based, it shows a new way ahead,� Dr Choudhury said.
Senior journalist and writer Anuradha Sarma Pujari and senior advocate Hafiz Rashid Ahmed Choudhury also spoke at the programme, which was attended by a host of distinguished guests.
Meanwhile, Bhattacharyya strongly opposed the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which he said will jeopardise the existence of the indigenous Assamese people.
�My books were sent to print before this controversy over the Bill began, so I could not include it. The Bill, which violates the Assam Accord, has the potential to create turmoil. Instead of taking to the streets and staging demonstration, we should try to explore legal options to thwart the government move,� said the 1958 IPS batch of the Assam cadre, who was jailed under the National Security Act in 1981 after he had invited the ire of politicians for his efforts in identifying and deporting illegal migrants.
