In an affidavit filed with the Jharkhand High Court on Thursday, the Union Home Ministry stated that no connections have been established between Bangladeshi immigrants and land possession disputes in Jharkhand’s Santhal Pargana region. This follows claims by the Jharkhand BJP that Bangladeshi infiltrators are marrying tribal women, purchasing land, and taking jobs meant for locals.

The affidavit, submitted in response to a 2022 Public Interest Litigation concerning Bangladeshi infiltration in Santhal Pargana, was signed by Under Secretary Pratap Singh Rawat. It highlights the Centre’s concerns about illegal migration, particularly through the Sahibganj and Pakur districts bordering West Bengal.

The Home Ministry acknowledged an increase in madrasas in the region but noted that while Bangladeshi nationals have been present in Santhal Pargana since Independence, recent reports focus on alleged settlements in Sahibganj and Pakur due to shared dialects aiding integration.

Despite instances of land law misuse, such as the transfer of tribal land to non-tribals via affidavits, the Ministry confirmed that no linkages to Bangladeshi immigrants in these cases have been established. The affidavit also outlined that existing laws enable state governments to combat illegal immigration and take legal action against infiltrators.

The Home Ministry further revealed that the Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration had previously shared data on overstaying foreigners with Jharkhand’s state government, advising local police to verify their status and initiate deportation if necessary.

During earlier hearings, the Jharkhand High Court noted that the Deputy Commissioners of the six Santhal Pargana districts had reported no evidence of Bangladeshi infiltration. However, the court had also highlighted the decline in the scheduled tribe population in these areas, a trend the Ministry attributed to multiple factors, including migration, low birth rates, and conversion to Christianity.

The Home Ministry’s affidavit also compared population growth rates, showing a national decline in the Hindu population and significant growth in Christian and Muslim populations, particularly in Santhal Pargana. It emphasized that while state authorities are empowered to prevent illegal immigration, coordination with the Intelligence Bureau is essential for addressing the issue comprehensively.