The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging him to intervene and stop the alleged harassment and intimidation of Bengali-speaking migrant workers and families residing in Delhi-NCR, which has triggered deep concern among civil rights groups, regional associations, and political leaders across West Bengal and Tripura.
Background Of The Issue
In recent weeks, several reports emerged of Bengali-speaking migrants being targeted during documentation verification drives and residential raids by Delhi Police and other enforcement agencies. The drives, aimed at identifying undocumented immigrants, have allegedly led to fear, profiling, and arbitrary questioning of legitimate Indian citizens who migrated decades ago for work and education.
CPM’s Letter To Amit Shah
Senior CPM leader Md. Salim, the party’s West Bengal state secretary, wrote directly to Home Minister Amit Shah stating:
“Bengali-speaking citizens in Delhi are being harassed in the name of checking illegal immigrants. Many are poor workers, street vendors, and labourers who migrated legally years ago. Such actions are unconstitutional, discriminatory, and create fear among genuine citizens.”
The letter demanded immediate instructions to law enforcement agencies to ensure no Indian citizen is harassed based on language, food habits, or appearance, echoing similar concerns raised by Bengali cultural organisations in Delhi.
Incidents Reported By Migrants
According to migrant welfare associations, Bengali-speaking residents in areas such as Kalkaji, Seelampur, Laxmi Nagar, and Okhla have complained of:
- Sudden document checks at their homes at dawn.
- Being asked to produce birth certificates, voter IDs, and Aadhaar cards immediately.
- Facing threats of detention or deportation despite providing documents.
- Derogatory remarks about their origin and food habits during questioning.
Delhi Police Response
A senior Delhi Police official stated that checks are part of routine operations to identify illegal immigrants, particularly from Bangladesh, following intelligence inputs. However, the officer added:
“No Indian citizen is targeted deliberately. Action is based on intelligence and identity verification norms. If any misconduct occurs, we will take departmental action.”
CPM’s Broader Political Stand
The CPM has long maintained that anti-immigrant sentiment should not be weaponised to target linguistic or religious minorities. The party highlighted that while tackling illegal immigration is necessary for national security, it must not lead to racial profiling, community fear, or the denial of dignity to Indian citizens.
Reactions From Other Political Leaders
Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal Chief Minister
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee condemned the reported incidents, stating:
“I strongly oppose any harassment of Bengalis anywhere in India. We are proud Indians. Such activities threaten national unity and the spirit of our Constitution.”
She is expected to raise the issue with the Union Home Ministry formally this week.
Tripura Political Circles React
In Tripura, where nearly 30% of the population speaks Bengali as their first language, political leaders termed it “a dangerous precedent for linguistic minorities in India.”
Concerns Among Migrant Communities
The incidents have sparked fear among migrant construction workers, factory labourers, street vendors, and domestic helpers, many of whom migrated from districts like Murshidabad, Nadia, North 24 Parganas, and Cooch Behar in West Bengal over decades.
Testimonies From Migrants
- Rafiqul Islam, daily wage worker in Kalkaji: “Police came at 5 am asking for papers. We showed Aadhaar cards. Still they said we will be taken to the station. We are living here legally for 20 years.”
- Sabita Mondal, domestic worker in Okhla: “They asked where I was born, why I cook fish. I felt humiliated.”
Legal Experts Warn Against Profiling
Prominent Delhi-based constitutional lawyer Indira Jaising cautioned:
“Citizenship cannot be determined based on language or appearance. These actions violate Article 14 (Right to Equality) and Article 21 (Right to Life and Dignity) of the Constitution.”
Statistics On Bengali-Speaking Population In Delhi-NCR
Category | Estimated Population |
---|---|
Total Bengali-speaking residents (NCR) | 9-10 lakh |
Migrant workers (construction/domestic/factory) | 3-4 lakh |
Students and professionals | 2 lakh |
Settled families (multi-generational) | 3 lakh |
Civil Society’s Stand
Organisations such as Bangla Sanskritik Manch, Delhi Bengali Association, and Bhumi Adhikar Andolan have planned peaceful demonstrations and legal aid camps to assist affected residents in securing and carrying required documents.
Centre’s Possible Course Of Action
The Ministry of Home Affairs has not issued an official response yet. However, government insiders indicate:
- Instructions may be issued to enforce humane policing standards during verification drives.
- States may be advised to submit updated migrant documentation databases to avoid confusion.
- Political outreach by BJP’s Bengali leaders could follow to contain community backlash ahead of upcoming local elections.
Broader Political Implications
Analysts suggest that this issue could have ripple effects:
- Impact on BJP’s image in Bengal: Rising concerns among Bengalis about discrimination could affect party’s voter base in West Bengal.
- Strengthen Opposition unity: CPM, TMC, and Congress may align on protection of migrants’ rights.
- Trigger nationwide debate: On how states handle internal migration amid national security concerns.
CPM’s Final Demands
In its letter to Amit Shah, the CPM demanded:
- Immediate end to targeted harassment of Bengali-speaking citizens.
- Clear guidelines to differentiate between illegal immigrants and Indian citizens.
- Public apology from agencies for humiliation caused.
- Setting up a joint committee with civil society to review migrant documentation processes.
Conclusion
The harassment allegations against Delhi Police and enforcement agencies, if true, could have serious constitutional and political repercussions. As CPM seeks Home Minister Amit Shah’s urgent intervention, the issue underscores the growing challenge of balancing national security measures with protection of civil liberties, dignity, and equality for linguistic and cultural minorities across India.
Disclaimer: This news content is based on statements from political leaders, migrant testimonies, and legal experts. It is intended purely for public informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice or official verification of individual incidents. Readers are advised to consult government notifications and verified police statements for precise updates.