Bangladesh's Poor India's Woe : Famine In Bangladesh & Its Effect In North-East India

MILLIONS FOREIGNERS IN INDIA

SHIB SHANKAR CHATTERJEE
India has well-protected international boundaries. The Northern boundary is totally surrounded by
the invincible world’s big mountain, ‘Himalaya’. More than 50% (percent) of the Western boundary is
protected by the Arabian Sea, while another 50% (percent) Eastern border is covered by the Bay of Bengal Sea
and the Southern side is fully besieged by the Indian Ocean. Although, likewise the blue-hills of Arunachal
Pradesh, Nagaland and the Patkai range protect about 50% (percent) of the Eastern boundary. The erstwhile
East Pakistan, that is, former East Bengal, called Purba Bangla, known as Purba Banga has turned into
present ‘Bangladesh’ is curved out as a new international border with India in the East-South fringe.
Bangladesh is the fourth largest peasant society in the world, but its landlessness is gradually rising
day by day, which is faster rate than its population growth, forcing migration that will spill over into India,
specially, Eastern Indian States – Assam, West-Bengal, Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram, including Arunachal
Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Sikkim and Bihar.
Right up to 1989, the Indo-Bangladesh international border was quite open. As per 1991 Census
Report of Bangladesh (CRB), her population was 10,79,92,140 and in 1996 population was 11,99,57,313.
There was no exaggeration in the figures, but if anyone takes into confidence the statistics of the ‘Electoral
Roll’ that is, ER, (which is locally called Voter Talika or Voter List) of Bangladesh as published on 07th
October, 1995. According to this electoral roll Bangladesh has 05,60,16,178 voters, which is 61,65,567 less than
that of 1991 Roll. In 1991, she had 06,21,81,745 voters. It had been also proved, when the aforesaid
informationa also found in the Bangladesh’s one of the political party – Jamat-e-Islami (JEI)’s official letter
(Circular Number – 17/95, dated 09.10.1995), which had been issued from party headquarter (address – 505,
Elephant Road, Baro Bagbazar, Dhaka – 1217, Bangladesh). In the aforeasaud party’s official letter, the party’s
general secretary, Motiur Rehman Nizami appealed to all the country people, who are resided outside of their
country (specially party well-wishers and activists) to take the issue seriously and immediately go to the office
of Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC) and filed or entry their names into the latest voter’s list, that they
can cast their vote properly. Not only that the said thing also published as news item in the Bangladesh
nation’s one of the Bengali Newspapers Daink Karotoa dated 01st August, 1995 (the headlines of the news is –
Bideshe Abosthankari 20 Lakh Nagarik-ke Votadhikar Theke Bonchito Korechhe).
Bangladesh is the world’s mostly densely populated country, with a density of 969 per square
kilometres. Bangladeshi figure has soared from 624 (in 1981) to 969 (in 1991) within a single decade.
Moreover, the Election Commission of Bangladesh (ECB) has de-franchised 20,00,000 voters on the ground
of their long absence in the country and their names were deleted from the electoral roll of 1995. This action is
against the ‘Constitution of Bangladesh’ under Article Number 119 and 122 respectively.
It is cent per cent true that the name of the 20 lakhs-numbers of the Bangladeshi people had been
deleted from their Voter List (VL), that is, Electoral Roll (ER) of 1996, it had been found also in the
Bangladesh’s one of the political party – Jamat-e-Islami (JEI)’s letter (Circular Number – 17/95, dated
09.10.1995), which has been issued from party headquarter (address – 505, Elephant Road, Baro Bagbazar,
Dhaka – 1217, Bangladesh). In this letter, the party’s general secretary, Motiur Rehman Nizami appealed to all
the country people, who are resided outside of the country (specially party well-wishers and activists) to take
the issue seriously and immediately go to the office of Bangladesh Election Commission (BEC) and to insert or
add their names into the latest voter’s list, that they can cast their vote properly. It had proved, when this news
published in the Bangladesh nation’s one of the Bengali Newspapers Daink Karotoa dated 01st August, 1995
(the headlines of the news is – Bideshe Abosthankari 20 Lakh Nagarik-ke Votadhikar Theke Bonchito
Korechhe).
On the other hand, as per the news given by Rahaman Jahangir (a news correspondent of Ananda
Bazar Patrika of West Bengal, India - published on 28th May, 1996), the ECB, in their pre-election time of
1996 deleted as many as 12,00,000 voters (who are working in foreign countries) from their voter-list, on the
ground that the illegal infiltrators in India may claim to enlist their names in their voter-list, if this is done.
This decision had taken by ECB before Bangladesh Parliamentary Election on 12th June, 1996.
According to a high official of Bangladesh Commission, they will have to face political criticism if they
could enlist the above noted voters in their present voter-list. The commission further said that they had to
face similar trouble, when they could want to do the same.
So, to avoid the criticism and the opposition of political parties, the ECB turned down the proposal of
enlisting the names of the Bangladeshi in their voter-list. The Government of Bangladesh also has not
admitted the entrance of Bangladeshi into Indian dominion. Although, the Government of India has been
raising the question of illegal entrance again and again. But it is true; the Government of India has not yet
given any clear explanation regarding infiltration. Therefore, when it is 70,00,000 according to Indian foreign
office it is 01 (one) crore, according to Jyoti Basu, the former Chief Minister of Northeastern Indian State,
West Bengal (WB).
On the other hand, on 06th May, 1997, former Indian Union Home Minister Indrajit Gupta (Member
of Parliament of Communist Party of India, shortly say–CPI) has disclosed to the Indian Parliament that there
are upwards of 01-crore illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators, who have made India their quintessential home.
While on the other hand, just after one year, similarly various intelligence agencies of the all the states
of India, who had made up an estimate and claimed that as on 01st May, 1998, the numbers of the illegal
Bangladeshi migrants in India was 01.01-crore. On the other hand, likewise, the estimates made up by
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individual or others intelligence agencies of the states of India, which had coordinated by the then Special
Director of Indian Intelligence Bureau (shortly say – IIB and popularly called as – IB), Ajit Doval disclosed
that as on 01st January, 2003, the numbers of illegal Bangladeshi immigrant in India more than 16-millions.
But, when the Budhhadev Bhattacharyay, the present chief minister of Indian WB State Government
(led by left Front Party) has agreed to the proposal or plan of push backing of illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators,
at that time the others leaders of the said party has become started the uproar against the same. Because, the
aforesaid party and their leaders think that they will lose the ‘support’ of the said illegal Bangladeshi nationals,
who help them to get the ‘power’ of the above state. In this connection, it may be remembered here that the
aforesaid Indian State (WB)’s Left Front Government has been traditionally soft on the illegal entry of
Bangladeshis for political reasons.
In fact, the percentage of Hindu population comes down, while the Muslim population grows in the
same period, which are known facts, but a section of Indian politician like Mannan Hossaain, Member of
Parilament (MP) belongs to CPI (M) party of the constituency, Murshidabad District of Northeast Indian
State, WB either says that they are not aware of such illegal migration or prefer ‘silence’ on the said burning
issue. But, it has true that the demographic composition has been changed in the aforesaid Indian State.
It is irrefutable that a Muslim tidal wave is sweeping through the International Border districts of
Northeast Indian States – Assam, WB, Tripura, Meghalaya and also inundating a few districts of Bihar
(eastern part), where the growth rate of the Muslims is more than double and triple in some particular areas.
It can’t be explained as generational escalation.
On the other hand, former Indian Chief Election Commissioner, Mr. T. N. Sheshan was quoted in The
New York Times (12th February, 1995) as saying that ‘there are still more than 01 (one) million migrants on
the electoral-rolls of Assam’. A study conducted by the American Academy of Arts & Science, Harvard &
Toronto University shows that of the total inhabitants counted in the Eastern Indian State, Assam, one third
are Bangladeshi immigrants. According to the said research team indicates that 20 millions Bangladeshis are
at present in India out of which 20 lakhs came in 1971 alone.
It is strange that in a country, where population growth is too high, more than 06 millions voters were
found decreasing within the span of 04 years or so. It automatically indicates that these 06 millions and the
increased number of voters during these 04-years plus the de-franchised 20 lakhs have infiltrated to India and
abroad.
In a review made by the United Nations Organization (UNO), Bangladesh should have had 118
millions population in 1991, but CRB showed about 108 millions population in that year; where these 10
millions Bangladeshi had gone? Moreover, in 1951, Bangladesh had 22% (percent) minority population, which
by now has become almost half, in fact; it has come down to 10% (percent) in 1995; what happened to this
population? Either they crossed the international border and entered into India or they were annihilated
surreptitiously.
Report received across the border indicates that no trace of about 05 lakhs ‘Bihari-Muslim’ of
Bangladesh was found in 1991. This apart, thousands of Hindu minorities were simply annihilated in 1992
upsurge.
The infiltration arithmetic can now be summed up : (In Millions)
A. Infiltration up to 1991-(based on UNO observation) - 10.00
B. Bangladeshis are at present in India
(Based on American Academy of Arts & Science,
Havard & Toronto University) - 20.00
C. Less number of voters shown in 1995 Electoral Roll, Bangladesh - 06.00
(Based on Election Commission of Bangladesh)
D. De-franchised voters in 1995 Electoral Roll, Bangladesh
(Based on Election Commission of Bangladesh) - 02.00
E. Population growth during the 04 years span (approximately) - 02.00
(Based on Election Commission of Bangladesh)
F. Bangladeshi people are missing from Bangladesh country-
(Report of United Nations Population Fund [UNFPA]) - 01.41
_______
Grand Total = 41.41 (Millions)

“We have definite information (of the Indian Intelligence Bureau-IIB) that there are between 07 to 09
million Bangladeshi foreign nationals have been illegally not only migrated but also registered into India”,
claimed, the well-known author-cum-foreign secretary of India, J. N. Dixit.
“There are as many as 15 lakhs to 20 lakhs Bangladeshi illegal infiltrators entered in to India during
the period of 1971 to 1999. All over India, yearly 03 lakhs illegal Bangladeshi nationals crossed the Indo-
Bangla international boundary and reached Indian territory for permanent settlement in the North-Eastern
States like Assam, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, West-Bengal and it’s adjoining areas”, states the Joint
Secretary of Indian Home Ministry, Mr. G. K. Pillai, when he visited the Indo-Bangladesh international
border on 18th August, 1999 at Southern Assam’s Karimganj and Hailakandi districts respectively, while in the
year, 2001, Indian Home Ministry estimate prepared said, “Approximately, 150 lakhs to 170 lakhs Bangladeshi
infiltrators have crossed into India illegally since 1971”.

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 However, on 14th July, 2004, in a written reply to an unstirred question in the Rajya Sabha/Lok
Sabha of India, the former Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Sriprakash Jaiswal has stated that out of
01,20,53,950 numbers of illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators in the entire India. 50,00,000 Bangladeshi nationals
are present in the Eastern Indian State of Assam as on December 31st, 2001, while another Northeastern
Indian State, West Bengal tops in the list with 57,00,000 numbers of Bangladeshi immigrants. Not only that
in Eastern Indian States like Arunachal Pradesh has 800 numbers, 30,000 numbers in Meghalaya, 59,500
numbers in Nagaland, 03,25,400 numbers in Tripura, except Manipur and Mizoram respectively. It has
estimated by the Indian Home Ministry, on the basis of Intelligence Bureau (IB) report (See Table or Chart).
“More than 04 lakhs illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators are existed into the Guwahati, capital city of
Northeastern Indian state of Assam”, pegged the officials of the International Border Police Force of India
(Assam State Division). Where these Bangladeshis live in India? In this context, the Indian Border Security
Force (IBSF) has suggested to the Government of India that the Indian State Government of Assam should
undertake special census operation in the sensitive areas in this matter.
Therefore, from all these clearly show that the position of indigenous people of Northeast India has
been gradually decreasing. At present, Northeast India is known as the land of the ‘Eight-Sisters’ (Assam,
Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland and Sikkim). In this case, these
Bangladeshis are dispersed in these eight states including the State, West Bengal and Bihar.
At present, in India, the trump card for wining any election in 20 to 25 numbers of
Parliamentary Constituency (PC)s and in 120 to 125 numbers of Assembly Constituency
(AC)s of the various component States, such as : Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Maharashtra
and even, Delhi lie in the hands of the illegal Muslim Bangladeshi foreigners. If this situation
continues for another 10 years, at least, the candidates of 50 numbers of PCs and 250
numbers of ACs will have to depend of the blessings of these so-called ille gal Bangladeshi
infiltrators.
Similarly, with the geometric rise of the population of the said community, leaders
from that community have become powerful and important in the Eastern Indian state,
Assam. Because, out of 27 numbers of districts in the State, 07 numbers of districts (Barpeta,
Goalpara, Dhubri, Morigaon, Nagaon, Karimganj and Hailakandi) are Muslim population
majority, where illegal Bangladeshis are lived.
As a result, by 2010 to 2015, out of 126 numbers of ACs, about 54 numbers of ACs of the
State, Assam would be dominated by Bangladeshi Muslim Voters that would one day not
only pose a serious threat to socio-cultural identity and stability but also may be in a
position to form their Government and they will make their own Chief Minister (CM) of the
State, while according to the Indian Home Ministry estimates, as many as 40 to 46 out of 126
numbers of Acs in the State, Assam are assessed to be dominated by Illegal Bangladeshi
nationals.
On the other hand, due to the unabated illegal Bangladeshi Muslim nationals have
growing by leaps and bound of another North East Indian State, West Bengal, which will be
the principal factor within next five to ten years. As a result of this, the people of the said
state will soon loss their majority and ethnicity. Already, out of 294 numbers of ACs of the
said state, Bangladeshi Muslim intruders or voters are in a position to decisively influence
over 52 numbers of ACs, which play a crucial role in 100 numbers of others seats also.
Even, the number of Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) seats in the said WB state
has increased (like Murshidabad District, who had earlier 19 numbers of MLA seats,
presently, 22 numbers of MLA seats) in the constituency delimitation exercise. Because, the
illegal movement of Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators into the above Indian State has already
created the socio-political dimension.
Therefore, most causing anxiety is that no party or leader in the country (that is, in
the above noted states as well as central) can now dream of coming to power without the
support of the illegal Bangladeshi Muslim population.
On 09th August, 2008, the Indian Assam State Government and the Indian Central Government had
provided or given a shaking statistics on illegal Bangladeshi Infiltration from across the international border.
According to the Indian Union Ministry of Home Affairs (IUMHA) claimed in a statement that Indian Assam
State had 55-lakhs numbers of illegal Bangladeshis, who were deciding factors in an around 40-numbers of
Legislative Assembly Constituency (LAC)s of the State. The IUMHA’s report further stated that majority of the
people residing in Dhubri, Goalpara, Karimganj and Hailakandi districts of the aforesaid state are
Bangladeshis. Going on the same line, the Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Government of Assam, India
mentioned in its report that the Bengali speaking religious minority community (that is, Muslim community)
of the aforesaid state is majority in about 07-numbers of district — Dhubri, Goalpara, Barpeta, Hailakandi ,
Nagaon, Morigaon and Karimganj — and in second position in 11-numers of other districts — Cachar,
Lakhimpur, Darrang, Nalbari, Bongaigaon, Kokrajhar, Sonitpur, Jorhat, Sivasagar, Golaghat and Dibrugarh.
But, no one has raised question how and why this has happened? Still the illegal Bangladeshi
infiltrators haunting the Northeast Indian States – Assam, West Bengal, Meghalaya, Tripura and the Mizoram,
Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh simultaneously. It has ultimately proved, when on 23rd July,
2008, the honourable Gauhati High Court of the Indian State, Assam declares, “Bangladeshis have become the
kingmakers in the Eastern Indian State, Assam”. Reacting to the 95-pages judgment (disposing of a bunch of
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petitions filed by the 61 numbers of person, who are declared as illegal foreign nationals [read illegal
Bangladeshi infiltrators] by various foreigner’s tribunals) of the justice B. K. Sharma of Gauhati High Court of
Northeast India’s State, Assam, the All Assam Student’s Union (AASU) says, “The open India-Bangladesh
International Border is not only become a ‘corridor’ for the incessant flood of illegal Bangladeshi nationals
from the former East Bengal, known as – East Pakistan, presently Bangladesh to the above noted Eastern
Indian States in the early 20th century but also convert into a ‘safe passage’ for the militants of the fanatic
pan-Islamic religious fundamentalism to India.
Though, it was the Liberation War of the nation, Bangladesh, which had ignited a flow of mass
migration of the populaces from the East Bengal, that is, East Pakistan (of the pre-independent era), but, the
Government of India has totally failed to arrest the situation. Even, the Government of India has failed to
make sure that the aforesaid illegal Bangladeshi nationals have gone back to their newborn nation”.
In India, in this context, it is AASU, who has taken the initiative seriously, specially in the year, 1979,
during the revision of the Voter’s List in the Mongaldoi Loksabha Constituency of the Darrang district of the
Northeast Indian State, Assam (which was preparing for a by-election at that time) that the concerned
department identified a large scale Bangladeshi nationals having enlisted themselves as electorates in the
Electoral Roll.
On the other hand, “The anti-ULFA (United Liberation Front of Asam) attitude of the Bangladesh
Government had infuriated Mr. Paresh Baruah, the ULFA Chief, who later on as a retaliation of the same said
in an interview to British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) from his hideout, that if the Bangladesh
Government took an anti-ULFA line, the Assam’s insurgent group of North-East India would target the lakhs
of people of ‘Bangladesh Origin’ in Assam”, reveals well-known journalist of Dhaka, Bangladesh, Haroon
Habib on 28th May, 1997.
It is more so if both these countries have their population from the same or common stock. In case of
India and Pakistan, more specifically India and East-Pakistan turned Bangladesh, where partition was made
over-night, the land was divided, not the people at the time of partition, as landed properties and relatives of
people of both the countries were across the borders. Still lots of Indian have their relatives in Bangladeshi and
vice-versa. This factor makes Bangladeshi infiltration to India much more easy and natural. But, if the people
consider the volume of infiltration, the people of North-Eastern States constrained to think that behind such
huge quantity of infiltration, there must be far deeper reason besides the economic reason.
There is indeed infiltration from other neighbouring countries too. From Nepal and Bhutan in the
North and from Mayanmar (that is, Burma) in the east sporadic infiltration are there; but with the exception
of Nepal, infiltration from the other two countries are negligible. The infiltration from Nepal, though more
compared to Bhutan and Burma, is yet negligible compared to Bangladeshi infiltration.
Besides economic reason, there are other reasons, far deep and sinister, which work behind the
infiltration from Bangladesh. Some of these reasons can be termed as political, some as economic, some as
religious and some as purely subversive.
According to the Indian Census Report, most of the Bangladeshi illegal immigrants are the people of
very poor section of Bangladesh. Therefore, they often enter into India and settle themselves either
temporarily or permanently in the Dhubri, Goalpara, Barpeta, Morigaon, Nagaon, Karimganj, Hailakandi,
Cachar, Sonitpur, Jorhat districts of Northeastern Indian state Assam and Coochbehar, North-Dinajpur (the
then East-Dinajpur), Maldaha, Murshidabad districts of Northeastern Indian state, West Bengal (WB) with a
view to earning something to keep themselves alive. In this context, Centre for Research in Indo-Bangladesh
Relations (CRIBR) points out that the districts of the said two states have been dominated by the religious
minority community.
On the other side, the river-island or sandy-shore (locally called Char) of the red river Brahmaputra
and its tributaries, the ‘traditional immigrant sanctuaries’ are found largely inhabitant by the illegal
Bangladeshi infiltrators, who don’t even, pay any revenue to the Indian State Government, Assam. Further,
due to transience of these char-lands, the thousands of square kilometres of char-region have mentioned as
non-cadastral-lands in the revenue record of the Assam Government. But, the interesting fact is that the
aforesaid State Government does not register most of the chars, why nobody knows.
However, according to the estimate or of Indian Assam State Intelligence Bureau Report of 1993-1994,
a lot of riverine basins have sprung up between the river Brahmaputra and it’s tributaries. These chars are
existed from Sadia of Upper Assam’s Dibrugarh district to South-Salmara of Lower Assam’s Dhubri district of
the state, Assam in North-East India, while according to the estimate of Char Area Development Authority,
Government of Assam State (India) – CADAGAS(I), there are 01,256 numbers of char on the river
Brahmaputra (this figure was shown in the year, 1985).
According to the Indian Military Intelligence Report, “Of total number of 02,089 chars, lie under 14
numbers of Districts, 23 numbers of Sub-divisions and 59 numbers of Development Blocks with 02,251
numbers of villages in 299 numbers of Gaon-Panchayet (that is, village panchayet)s the whole state. Over
24.90 lakhs people (of them 12.72 lakhs male and 12.18 lakhs females, comprising 04.35 lakhs families of
which 02.95 lakhs are very needy, that is, live below poverty line) reside in the chars of the river Brahmaputra
and it’s tributaries and the density of population per square kilometer in char areas is 690 numbers, while
03,068 square kilometers area belongs to char areas in the Eastern Indian State, Assam. Most of the people
are of ‘Muslim Community’ (specially indicate the ‘Religious Minority Muslim People, who reside in basically
western part of the said State and are basically needy and migrated from Bangladesh time-to-time in search of
food, cloth and shelter) and 69% (percent) to 70% (percent) are live in below poverty line.
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 Although, the other report says that the total population of char region is 24.90 lakhs. Of this, 22.90
lakhs is ‘Muslim’ (that is, ‘Religious Minority’) and 01.50 lakh to 02.00 lakh is ‘Kalita-Nepali’, ‘Mising-Ahom’
and ‘Koch-Rajbongshi’ (that is, ‘Non-Muslim’) and others. Apart from this, more than 70% (percent) to 75%
(percent) of char-village population is ‘Immigrant Muslim’ and the rest live in the town and other places
permanently. Over and above, this vast tract of char-land from Sadia to Dhubri is largely inhabited by Muslim
community, which according to the Government report is 80% (percent) and the rest 20% (percent) is the
people of ‘Non-Muslim’ community.
Apart from these, the Government report has also disclosed that the people of immigrant Muslim
section largely populate the char-lands. There are 90% (percent) Muslim community in the districts like
Dhubri, Goalpara, Barpeta, Kamrup, Nalbari, Darrang, Sonitpur, Nagaon and Morigaon and Sonitpur,
(Mangaldoi) Darrang of Eastern Indian State, Assam are the noted riverine char-villages, where various
sections of people like ‘Nepali’, ‘Boro’, ‘Bengali-Hindu’, ‘Fisherman’ (locally known as : Kaibarta) etcetera live
together. Even, some noted tribe like ‘Missing’ community, which 50% (percent) of total population in riverine
char areas from (of ) Dhemaji district to Sonitpur district lives since long of the said state.
As a result of this, without any hindrance and fear the illegal Bangladeshi settlers come to settle
themselves in these un-surveyed, unaccounted and un-policed char-lands. To observe and tackle the situation
like, migration, smuggling and anti-Indian activities, the Border Security Force of India (BSFI) and
International Border River Police Force of India (IBRPFI) have established a few International Border
Observing Out Post (IBOOP) in the borderline char areas and for this region, the Bangladeshi migrants don’t
crossing the border line easily. In fact, it is done by the so-called ‘tout’, who bring them from Bangladesh and
hand over to the char-landlord (locally called Dewani or Matabbar) as against Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 per head,
who bear all the responsibilities to protect them in return of their ‘vote’ to fight and win the election.
According to the opinions passed by the experts and the advisors, the infiltrators are of three types.
Firstly : the people belong to the Hindu community came to India for fear of conversion, oppression and
communal-riots, Secondly : the people of Bihari-muslim community, who don’t have political ideals came
only for seeking jobs and Thirdly : the Bengali-Muslim community specially - farmers, vegetable-sellers, fish-
sellers, rag-pickers, labourers, zari-workers, rickshaw-pullers (known as Rickshawala), hand-barrow-pullers
(locally called Thelawala) and daily-wage-earners etcetera entered into India to enjoy a better life that is,
food, cloth and shelter.
Although, nowadays, most of the Muslim Bangladeshis are adopted new kind of ‘strategy’ or ‘policy’ to
hide themselves far from the eyes of the cops. Instead of aforesaid jobs, they take professions either in
cafeterias, hotels, restaurants, bars and souvenir shops or in small factories and others business
establishments that have been situated out of the cities.
Not only that for a long time, Bangladeshi Muslims have tendency of immigrating out of their own
country – Bangladesh, which they do both due to poverty and the population boom. But, the problems of the
Bangladeshi Hindus are quite different and it should be solved by Bangladesh Government, because, it is their
(Bangladesh Government’s) moral duty. The Government of India should create pressure upon the
Bangladesh Government diplomatically to solve the problem of the ‘Hindu migrants’, who were rather force to
come here and whose property was confiscated as Enemy Properties Act. Even, many of them fear that they
could be depriving of their landed property because of converting Bangladesh into an Islamic regime.
On the other hand, the Bihari-Muslims create another problem. It is humane. The 05 lakhs Bihari-
Muslims in Bangladesh, who constitute a very crucial problem and United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees (UNHCR) should come forward to solve this problem and make arrangement for resettlement of
them and the problem related to others should have to be tackled separately.
Whatever the reasons behind the huge number of Bangladeshi national’s presence in India, observers
said that the overall affect of their presence in India and in the Indian North-East region in particular is the
shattering of the socio-economic balance in the region? The observers further said that the infiltrators not only
occupied char areas in the ‘riverine-belt’, but also led to grow up unauthorized settlements in Government-
lands, agricultural-lands, grazing reserves and forest areas by illegally felling forest products indiscriminately.
This indiscriminate felling of trees ultimately resulted in environmental problems and destruction of the
‘ecological-balance’.
In the economic sphere too, the Bangladeshis grab, whatever avocation come by them and thereby
enhancing the already deplorable un-employment problem in these states. Moreover, by managing to enter
their names in the electoral-rolls in their zeal to remain within this country, the Bangladeshis have already
turned the tide in their favour, at least in Assam and West Bengal.
As a result, it is fact that, today the situation in Assam is turning from bad to worse. The existence of
huge number of illegal migrants and the continued influx of aliens have already instilled a sense of insecurity
in the minds of the indigenous people. So, if the Government of India and its’ State Governments (specially,
Assam and West Bengal) does not stop pretending that there is no foreigner in Eastern India and also at the
same time if the detection and deportation of foreigners are not taken up speedily and seriously, the issue of
foreign nationals would pose a major threat to the security of aforesaid States as well as the entire North-East
Indian region very soon.
So it is the time that the Government of India should take the matter sincerely and especially rescues
the Northeast Indian region from the grasp of this menacing evil.

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 TABLE-I
AT A GLANCE
INDO-BANGLADESH INTERNATIONAL BORDER
SERIAL INTERNATIONAL BORDER AREA
NUMBER INTERNATIONAL BORDER PILLAR NUMBER (In Kilometre)
A. West-Bengal (India) & Bangladesh 0001 to 1001 02,217.70
B. Assam (India) & Bangladesh 1001 to 1067 262.00
C. Meghalaya (India) & Bangladesh 1067 to 1338 443.00
D. Tripura (India) & Bangladesh 1338 to 1397 (North) 856.00
1397 to 2250 (South)
E. Mizoram (India) & Bangladesh 2301 to 2358 318.00
TOTAL Indo-Bangladesh International 0001 to 2358 04,096.70
Border
(Source : Border Security Force of India)

TABLE-II
AT A GLANCE
ILLEGAL BANGLADESHI IMMIGRANTS IN INDIA
BANGLADE BANGLADES
SHI IN HI IN INDIA
BANGLADE (IN
BANGLADE INDIA
SHI IN NUMBERS)
SHI IN (IN
INDIA (Compiled
INDIA NUMBERS) Report 1995,
(IN
SERIAL STATE/COUNTRY DISTRICT/AREA (IN As on 31st 1997, 2001,
NUMBERS)
NUMBER NUMBERS) December, 2003 & Others
As on 01st
As on 06th 2001 Intelligence
January, Agencies Of
May, 1997 (Submitted
2003 The Indian
by
Sriprakash States)
Jaiswal)
DHUBRI, 40,00,o00 50,00,000 67,00,228 67,00,300
BARPETA,
KAMRUP,
01. ASSAM NAGAON,
KARIMGANJ,
MORIGAON,
BONGAIGAON
, KOKRAJHAR
& DARRANG
02. ARUNACHAL PANPUPARE ----- 800 01,072 01,080
P
R
A
D
E
S
H
03. MIZORAM ----- ----- 39 39
BHAGALPUR, 05,00,000 04,79,000 06,41,396 06,41,396
BIHAR SAMASTIPUR,
KATIHAR,
04. SAHEBGANJ,
KISHANGANJ,
ARARIA,
PAKUR,
PURNIA &
GAYA
KOHIMA, ----- 59,500 79,730 79,800
DIMAPUR,
05. NAGALAND TENSANG,
MON,
MOKOKCHAN
G, BOKHA,
JHUNEBOTO
& FEK
MEGHALAYA FULBARI, ----- 30,000 40,518 40,518
06. RAJABALA,
6
 PIPULBARI,
MAHENDRAG
ANJ,
HELEDIGANJ
(WEST GARO
HILLS
DISTRICT)
TRIPURA WEST- 08,00,000 03,25,400 34,874 04,44,867
07. TRIPURA,
NORTH-
TRIPURA &
SOUTH-
TRIPURA
COOCHBEHA 54,00,000 57,00,000 76,50,123 76,80,122
R,
JALPAIGURI,
DARJEELING,
NORTH-
08. WEST-BENGAL DINAJPUR,
(WB) SOUTH-
DINAJPUR,
MURSHIDABA
D, MALDAHA,
SOUTH-24-
PARGANS,
NORTH-24-
PARGANAS,
HOWRAH,
NADIA &
KOLKATA
KENDRAPARA ----- 30,850 41,339 41,670
, BHADRAK,
JAGATSINGH
09. ORISSA APUR,
BALESHWAR,
KHARDA,
GANJAM,
RAIGARH,
MAYURBHAN
J&
SAMBHALPUR
10. ANDAMAN & ANDAMAN ----- 03,000 04,020 04,050
NICOBAR
ISLAND
SELAMPUR, 03,00,000 03,75,000 05,02,366 05,02,366
SEEMAPURI,
JAMUNAPUST
DELHI HA, GANDHI
NAGAR,
SAHID
NAGAR,
11. KRISHNA
NAGAR,
TULSINIKETA
N, GEETA
COLONY,
KHUREJI,
SASHI
GARDEN,
DILSHAD
GARDEN,
BHAJANPUR
(The Interstate
Border between
Delhi [East]
and Uttar
7
 Pradesh (UP)
DEBAS, ----- 700 941 950
12. MADHYA SARGUJA,
PRADESH (MP) MONDSAUR,
SIBNI, KORBA
THANE, 50,000 20,400 28,034 28,089
13. MAHARASHTRA MUMBAI,
PUNE,
GARCHIROLI,
GONDIA
MALERKOTLA ----- 150 344 345
14. PUNJAB , PATIALA,
MOHALI,
CHANDIGARH
PANIPATH, ----- 550 712 800
15. HARYANA FATEHABAD,
GURGAON,
ROHTAK,
FARIDABAD
JAMNAGAR, ----- 100 138 150
16. GUJARAT KACHH,
BANASKANTH
A,
PORBANDAR
RAJASTHAN NAGAUR, 50,000 02,500 04,47,150 04,47,150
17. BARMER,
JAISILMAR,
AJMER,
BIKANIAR,
JOYPUR,
ALWAR,
BARAT,
RAJSAMUND
18. KARNATAKA ----- ----- 12 15
19. HIMACHAL ----- ----- 20 25
PRADESH (HP)
20. JAMMU & ----- ----- 468 480
K
A
S
H
M
I
R

(
J

&

K
)
ALLAHABAD, ----- 26,000 34,874 34,874
MIRJAPUR,
DEBARIA,
JONEPUR,
FAIZABAD,
GAZIPUR,
AJAMGARH,
GORAKHPUR,
CHANDOULI,
MEERUT,
21. UTTAR BARANASHI,
PRADESH GAZIABAD,
(UP) KANPUR,

8
 /UTTARANCHAL HAMIRPUR,
LUCKHNOW,
MAHARAJGA
NJ,
SAHARANPUR
, BIJNAUR,
BAREILI,
BAHARAICH,
MURADABAD,
J. B. NAGAR,
RAIBAREILI,
HAIDWAR,
DEHRADUN,
SANT
RABIDAS
NAGAR
22. PONDICHERRY ----- ----- ----- -----
23. LAKSHADWEEP ----- ----- ----- -----
24. GOA ----- ----- ----- -----
25. DAMAN & DIU ----- ----- ----- -----
26. DADAR & ----- ----- ----- -----
NAGA
R
HAVEL
I
27. CHANDIGARH ----- ----- ----- -----
28. TAMILNADU ----- ----- ----- -----
29. SIKKIM ----- ----- ----- -----
30. MANIPUR ----- ----- ----- -----
31. KERALA ----- ----- ----- -----
32. ANDHRA ----- ----- ----- -----
PRADE
SH
(AP)
Total INDIA 01,11,00,000 01,20,53,950 01,62,08,398 01,66,49,086
(Source : Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India)

(Note : According to the Home Minister of India Report 31st December, 1995, 06th May, 1997, 31st December,
2001 & 01st January, 2003 - numbers of the Bangladeshi are living in India now. All aforesaid these figures
have also provided/estimated that made by individual states and coordinated by Indian Intellignce Bureau-
known as IIB.)
TABLE-III (A)
AT A GLANCE
POPULATION PATTERN IN NORTHEAST INDIA
State/Country Year Year Year Year Year Year
Serial 1901 1911 1921 1931 1941 1951
Number
01. Sikkim 59,014 ----- 81,721 01,09,808 01,21,520 01,37,725
02. Arunachal Pradesh ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
03. Assam 32,89,680 ----- 46,36,980 55,60,371 66,94,790 80,28,856
04. Tripura 01,73,325 ----- 03,04,437 03,82,450 05,13,010 06,39,029
05. Meghalaya 03,40,524 ----- 04,22,403 04,80,837 05,55,820 06,05,674
06. Mizoram 82,434 ----- 98,406 01,24,404 01,52,786 01,96,202
07. Manipur 02,84,465 ----- 03,84,016 04,45,606 05,12,069 05,77,635
08. Nagaland 01,01,550 ----- 01,58,801 01,78,844 01,89,641 02,12,975
09. West Bengal 01,69,40,088 ----- 01,74,74,348 01,88,97,036 02,32,29,552 02,62,99,980
Total NORTH-EAST INDIA 02,12,71,080 ------ 02,35,61,112 02,61,79,356 03,19,69,188 03,66,98,076
(Source : Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation, Government of India)
TABLE-III (B)
AT A GLANCE
POPULATION PATTERN IN NORTHEAST INDIA
Serial State/Country Year Year Year Year Year
Number
1961 1971 1981 1991 2001
01. Sikkim 01,62,189 02,09,843 03,16,385 04,06,457 05,40,851
02. Arunachal Pradesh 03,36,558 04,67,511 06,31,839 08,64,558 10,97,968
9
 03. Assam 01,08,37,329 01,46,25,152 01,80,41,248 02,24,14,322 02,66,55,528
04. Tripura 11,42,005 15,56,342 20,53,058 27,57,205 31,99,203
05. Meghalaya 07,69,380 10,11,699 13,35,819 17,74,778 23,18,822
06. Mizoram 02,66,063 03,32,390 04,93,757 06,89,756 08,88,573
07. Manipur 07,80,037 10,72,753 14,20,953 18,37,149 23,88,634
08. Nagaland 03,69,200 05,16,449 07,74,930 12,09,546 19,88,636
09. West Bengal 03,49,26,279 04,43,12,011 05,45,80,647 06,80,77,965 08,01,76,197
Total NORTH-EAST INDIA 04,95,89,040 06,41,04,150 07,96,48,636 10,00,31,736 11,92,54,412
(Source : Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation, Government of India)
TABLE-IV-A
AT A GLANCE
POPULATION PATTERN IN BANGLADESH
YEAR-1961
DIVISION MUSLIM HINDU BUDDHIST CHRISTIAN OTHERS TOTAL
BARISHAL 34,96,528 07,40583 12,278 12,378 ----- 42,61,727
CHATTAGRAM 01,08,48,603 23,92,757 03,58,469 20,477 09,344 01,36,29,650
DHAKA 01,26,69,746 25,29,751 01,030 77,649 15,420 01,52,93,596
KHULNA 41,20,771 16,67,437 345 15,258 01,322 58,05,133
RAJSAHI 97,54,833 20,49,141 01,745 23,141 21,229 01,18,50,089
BANGLADESH 04,08,90,481 93,79,66 03,73,867 01,48,903 47,315 05,08,40,235
9

YEAR-1974
DIVISION MUSLIM HINDU BUDDHIST CHRISTIAN OTHERS TOTAL
BARISHAL 45,85,977 08,28,778 04,38,917 05,326 02,580 54,27,132
CHATTAGRAM 01,58,94,223 22,62,207 04,471 28,898 23,532 01,86,35,902
DHAKA 01,86,66,035 25,17,135 04,27,042 01,13,568 15,665 02,13,15,630
KHULNA 69,20,825 18,23,189 03,227 17,639 05,621 87,67,816
RAJSAHI 01,49,71,870 22,41,738 542 50,488 63,537 01,73,31,268
BANGLADESH 06,10,38,929 96,73,048 04,38,917 02,15,919 01,10,935 07,14,77,748

YEAR-1981
DIVISION MUSLIM HINDU BUDDHIST CHRISTIAN OTHERS TOTAL
BARISHAL 56,08,657 08,78,503 04,158 15,824 02,439 65,09,581
CHATTAGRAM 01,93,52,848 26,31,041 05,24,610 40,699 46,390 02,25,95,588
DHAKA 02,35,23,894 25,54,426 04,743 01,20,923 27,756 02,62,31,742
KHULNA 85,20,107 20,67,516 01,204 46,346 08,350 01,06,43,523
RAJSAHI 01,84,81,474 24,38,759 03,616 50,689 01,64,993 02,11,39,531
BANGLADESH 07,54,86,980 01,05,70,245 05,38,331 02,74,481 02,49,928 08,71,19,965

YEAR-1991
DIVISION MUSLIM HINDU BUDDHIST CHRISTIAN OTHERS TOTAL
BARISHAL 65,74,525 08,66,039 04,657 14,996 02,426 74,62,643
CHATTAGRAM 02,37,36,002 28,77,745 05,74,528 55,350 44,322 02,72,87,947
DHAKA 02,97,86,106 26,56,708 20,430 01,54,514 48,217 03,26,65,975
KHULNA 01,06,08,358 20,29,857 02,492 38,262 09,414 01,26,88,383
RAJSAHI 02,31,76,038 27,48,517 21,303 82,940 01,81,246 02,62,10,044
BANGLADESH 09,38,81,029 01,11,78,866 06,23,410 03,46,062 02,85,625 10,63,14,992
(Note : Distribution of Bangladesh population by religious communities)
(Source : Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, Government of People’s Republic of Bangladesh)

TABLE-IV-B
AT A GLANCE
VOTERS IN BANGLADESH
SERIAL DATE OF
YEAR DISTRICT/
NUMBER
TOTAL VOTER MALE FEMALE END OF
(In Numbers) (In Numbers) (In Numbers) COUNTRY TERM
01. 1970 02,94,79,386 ----- ----- 19 -----
02. 1970 03,52,05,642 ----- ----- 19 15.12.1972
03. 1973 03,87,89,239 02,00,34,717 01,87,54,522 19 06.11.1975
04. 1979 04,78,76,979 02,49,35,993 02,23,89,893 20 24.03.1982
05. 1986 04,98,63,829 02,63,79,944 02,34,83,885 64 06.12.1987
06. 1988 06,20,81,793 03,30,40,757 02,90,41,036 64 06.12.1990
07. 1991 05,61,49,182 ----- ----- 64 24.11.1995
10
 08. 1996 05,67,02,422 02,87,59,994 02,79,56,941 64 30.03.1996
09. 1996 07,49,46,368 03,85,30,414 03,62,93,441 64 13.07.2001
10. 2001
11. 2008
Total
Note : Impose of Martial Law in the years – 1975, 1982 and 2006.
(Source : Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, Government of People’s Republic of Bangladesh)

TABLE-V
AT A GLANCE
POPULATION OF BANGLADESH
SERIAL POPULATION
NUMBER YEAR (In Thousands)
01. 1974 07,14,79,000
02. 1981 08,71,20,000
03. 1991 10,63,15,000
04. 2001 12,43,55,000
05. 2011 14,23,19,000
(Source : Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, Government of People’s Republic of Bangladesh)

(Note – Various Governments & Non Government Organisations of Bangladesh claimed the total Population of
Bangladesh in the years : Year - 1972 – 72,53,50,000 million, in 1973 – 74,44,10,000 million, in 1974 – 76,39,80,000
million, in 1975 – 78,40,50,000 million, in 1985 – 10,04,680, in 1986 – 09,92,100, in 1987 – 10,10,500/10,41,00,000, in
1988 – 10,45,300, in 1989 – 10,48,400, in 1990 – 10,98,200, in 1992 – 11,28,32,000/11,44,00,000 million, in 1993 –
11,67,020, in 1994 – 11,77,870, in 1995 – 12,11,100 (Voter-06,21,81,745), in 1996 – 12,30,63,000/11,99,57,313 (Voter –
05,61,63,296), in 1997 – 12,36,330, in 1998 – 12,56,290, in 1999 – 12,76,690 and in 2000 – 12,91,942.)

~ Shib Shankar Chatterjee worked as a contributor for BBC, The Statesman, The Times of India,
Hindustan Times, The Telegraph, Asia Times and as a Photographer of Associated Press (AP), Agence
France Presse (AFP) and Press Trust of India (PTI) from Northeast India. He also worked in CNN-IBN,
CNBC-TV18, NDTV, Door Darshan, New Delhi, India, and others two international documentary films as
a researcher and video-grpher. He specialises in South-Asian affairs.

References :

1. Front Page – Bharat Bangladesh Simantat Bangladeshir Dwara Kalimurtir Sirashhed – by Shib Shankar
Chatterjee, Purbachal (G. L. P. Publication), Dated 10th November, 1992.
2. Sthayee Basindar Praman-Patra Anuprabeshkarik Bhara diya Haichhe – by Shib Shankar Chatterjee,
Purbachal (G. L. P. Publication), Dated 01st December, 1992. Front Page – Bharat Birodhi Maulobadi Netar
Mrityu Dibaxat Asamar Mantri – by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Purbachal (G. L. P. Publication), Dated
09th February, 1993.
3. Markin Gabeshakar Dristit Axomar Anuprabesh Part-I by Shib Shankar Chatterjee – Rongpur, Ajir
Batori Group, Dated 17th August, 1994,
4. Markin Gabeshakar Dristit Axomar Anuprabesh Part-II by Shib Shankar Chatterjee – Rongpur, Ajir
Batori Group, Dated 24th August, 1994,
5. Axom Chukti, Anuprabesh Aru Axomar Bhabishyat by Shib Shankar Chatterjee – Rongpur, Ajir Batori
Group, Dated 16th August, 1995,
6. Anuprabesh Aru Axomar Sankat by Shib Shankar Chatterjee – Rongpur, Ajir Batori Group, Dated 26th
August, 1995,
7. Anuprobeshkariloi Sthayee Bashindar Proman-patro : Dhubri Jilat Protikriyashil Chakro Shokrio (Front
Page Anchor) by Shib Shankar Chatterjee – Dainik Asam, The Assam Tribune Group, Dated 07th July,
1994,
8. Bangladeshir Anuprobesh : Porishankhya Aru Gabeshake Ki Koy? (Front Page Anchor) by Shib Shankar
Chatterjee – Dainik Asam, The Assam Tribune Group, Dated 15th July, 1994,
9. Bharatiya Lokor Dalali Monobhabe Anuprabesh Aru Chorang Beboshayar Mul Karan : BSF by Shib
Shankar Chatterjee – Dainik Asam, The Assam Tribune Group, Dated 06th August, 1994,
10. Bharot-Bangladesh Shimantot Anuprobesh Rodh Koriboloi Kaintiyan Tanror Ber Antohsharshunyo
Bebosthya : Etiyao Bahu Thay Unmukto by Shib Shankar Chatterjee – Dainik Asam, The Assam Tribune
Group, Dated 09th September, 1994,
11. Ashom Simantot Ai-Eshh-Ai’or ‘Operachon Toholka’ (Front Page Anchor) by Shib Shankar Chatterjee –
Dainik Asam, The Assam Tribune Group, Dated 17th December, 1994,
12. Bhogdanga Kar : Bharoter Ne Bangladeshor? (Front Page) by Shib Shankar Chatterjee – Dainik Asam,
The Assam Tribune Group, Dated 15th May, 1995,
13. Bahrat Birodhi Ugro Moulobadi Songathon by Shib Shankar Chatterjee – Dainik Asam, The Assam
Tribune Group, Dated 04th August, 1995,
14. Antohrashtriyo Shimanto Unmukto Hoyei Ashe (Front Page) by Shib Shankar Chatterjee – Dainik Asam,
The Assam Tribune Group, Dated 10th August, 1995,
15. Bangladesh Shimantot Kaintiyan Taroro Unnoto Korat Gurutto (Front Page) by Shib Shankar Chatterjee
– Dainik Asam, The Assam Tribune Group, Dated 25th August, 1995,

11
16. Bangladeshat Nam Kata Gol Bangladeshi Kuri Lakhar by Shib Shankar Chatterjee – Dainik Asam, The
Assam Tribune Group, Dated 19th October, 1995,
17. Bangladeshat Votar Talikat Ghati : Dhuburi SimantayediAnuprabesh Abyahato by Shib Shankar
Chatterjee – Dainik Asam, The Assam Tribune Group, Dated 10th August, 2000,
18. Bohishoktir Prorochonat Uttor-pub Bharatot ‘Mianland’or Dabi by Shib Shankar Chatterjee – Dainik
Asam, The Assam Tribune Group, Dated 08th December, 1995,
19. Infiltration : A Grave Threat To Assam by Shib Shankar Chatterjee – The Assam Tribune (Editorial
Page), Dated 01st August, 1998,
20. Bharot-Bangla Simantot Anuprobesh Purbottoror Proti Bhabuki : Shamprotik Nirapotta
BeboshthayParibone Rodhibo Ei Sont? (Special Story) by Shib Shankar Chatterjee – Dainik Asam, The
Assam Tribune Group, Dated 28th January, 1999,
21. Bigyo maholor Drishtit Bharot-Bangla Simantot Anuprobeshor Bhayabohota (Special Story) by Shib
Shankar Chatterjee – Dainik Asam, The Assam Tribune Group, Dated 31st January, 1999,
22. Shimantot Arokhi Bibhagor Berthota, Chorkaror Nishkriyota (Special Story) by Shib Shankar Chatterjee
– Dainik Asam, The Assam Tribune Group, Dated 03rd February, 1999,
23. Axom Chukti, Anuprabesh Aru Axomar Bhabishyat, Markin Gabeshakar Dristit Axomar Anuprabesh,
Udang Simanta by Shib Shankar Chatterjee – Dainik Asam, The Assam Tribune Group, Dated 15th
August, 1999,
24. Horizon – Axe-odus by Shib Shankar Chatterjee – The Assam Tribune (Saturday Page), Dated 02nd
October, 1999.
25. Bangladeshor Voter Talikat Ghati : Dhubrir Simantayedi Anuprobesh Abyahata by Shib Shankar
Chatterjee – Dainik Asam, The Assam Tribune Group, Dated 10th August, 2000,
26. Anchalik – Bharatiya Bhukhandat Bangladeshir Dapdapani : Charkar Nirbikar : Ashahai ‘Ashanglagna
Anchala’r Bharatiya Janasadharan by Shib Shankar Chatterjee – Dainik Asam, The Assam Tribune
Group, Dated 23rd April, 2001,
27. Infiltration Problem In North East by Shib Shankar Chatterjee – The Assam Tribune (Editorial Page),
Dated 22nd August, 2002,
28. Namoni Ashomor Chor Ancholor Obostha Etia Chhomaliar Lekhia : Montri, Neta, Palinetar Bhuya
Protishrutit Protarito Chorbashi (Front Page Anchor) by Shib Shankar Chatterjee – Dainik Asam, The
Assam Tribune Group, Dated 04th January, 1999,
29. Matobbaror Nirdoshete Chole Choror Jibon : Choror Chakulo-Protibedon-02 (Front Page Anchor) by Shib
Shankar Chatterjee – Dainik Asam, The Assam Tribune Group, Dated 17th December, 1994,
30. Religious Conflicts – Indescribable Torture By Bangladeshi Political Party & Oppressed Hindu People Fled
From Bangladesh To India In Fear Of Death : Incessant Flow of Refugees by Shib Shankar Chatterjee,
Eastern Panorama, Dated July, 2005, (Page Number 15 to 20).
31. Opinion – A threat To Assam by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Northeast Sun, Dated March 31, 2005, (Page
Number 16).
32. Bangle Border – Crime Picks Steam by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Northeast Sun, Dated June 15, 2005,
(Page Number 21).
33. Special Article – Bangladesh’s Poor India’s Woe by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Northeast Sun, Dated 01st-
14th July, 2000, (Page Number 16 to 17).
34. Investigation – A Neighbouring Headache by Shib Shankar Chatterjee (And Polu Chatterjee), Cam News
Network Today, Dated July, 2005, (Page Number 44 to 50).
35. Voters’ List – Stamp ‘D’ For Dispute : Reports On The New Voters’ List In Assam And The Controversy It
Has Sparked by Shib Shankar Chatterjee – The Telegraph (Northeast Page), Dated 29th December, 1997,
36. All Not Quiet On The Eastern Front : The Indo-Bangladesh Border Is a Heaven For Anti socials Besides
Spawning Infiltration by Shib Shankar Chatterjee – The Telegraph (Northeast Page), Dated 18th August,
1997,
37. Cash Ensures Easy Passage To India by Shib Shankar Chatterjee – The Telegraph (Northeast Page),
Dated 10th November, 1997,
38. Focus – Bangladeshi Infiltrators by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Northeast Sun, Dated 15th-31st January,
1998, (Page Number 18).
39. Assam Bursting At The Seams by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Hindustan Times (Northeast Live Page),
Dated 14th July, 2001.
40. No-man’s land, No One’s Responsibility by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Hindustan Times (Northeast Live
Page), Dated 01st July, 2001.
41. Reports – ‘Child Jockeys’ Rescued From Touts’ Den by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Times Of India,
Dated 13th March, 2001.
42. Sailing Into The Smuggler’s Den by Shib Shankar Chatterjee – The Telegraph (Northeast Page), Dated
24th November, 1997,
43. Corridor Of Connivance by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North Bengal Plus Page) Dated 25th
June, 1999.
44. Nation – Prisoners Moved Out Of Flooded Assam jail by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, New Delhi Tele Vision
(NDTV) & NDTV.Com, Dated 17th July, 2004.
45. Nation – Rush Of ‘Ghost’ Voters In Assam polls by Sumon K Chakrabarti with Shib Shankar Chatterjee,
CNN-IBN & IBN Live.Com, Dated 09th April, 2006.
46. Focus – Illegal Border Trade by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Northeast Sun, Dated 01st-14th April, 1998,
(Page Number 16).
47. News – Reaping From Trade Ties With Bangladesh by Shib Shankar Chatterjee – The Telegraph
(Northeast Page), Dated 19th January, 1997,
48. Economy – Border Trade : Pipe Dream Or Reality? by Shib Shankar Chatterjee – The North East
Frontier Magazine, Dated June, 1999, (Page Number 36 to 37).

12
49. Cover Story – Election In International Border : Bangladeshis Give Vote In India by Shib Shankar
Chatterjee, Eastern Panorama, Dated April, 2006, (Page Number 07 to 08).
50. Forecasting A Disaster by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North Bengal Plus Page) Dated 06th
November, 1998.
51. Environment – Stripping The Hills : The Sale of Rocks Found In Chandardinga and Rakshasini Hills In
Assam May Cause Loss Rather Than Swelling The Government’s Treasury by Shib Shankar Chatterjee,
Rashtriya Sahara, Dated June, 1996, (Page Number 131 to 133).
52. In Search Of Lost Links by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North Bengal Plus Page) Dated 01st
September, 2000,
53. Back On The Rails by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Northeast Sun, Dated July 15-31, 2001, (Page Number 18),
54. Bharat-Bangladexar Majat Rail Jugajog by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Prantik, Guwahati, Assam, India
Dated 01st September, 2001, (Page Number 15 to 17),
55. Paschimbanglar Tinbigha Aru Ashomar tinbigha Vogdanga-Kuti Gaon Bharatar Ne Bangladeshar? by
Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Prantik, Guwahati, Assam, India Dated 01st November, 1996, (Page Number 12
to 13),
56. Markin Gabeshakar Drishtit Axomar Anuprabesh : Udong Simanta – Axom Chukti, Anuprabesh Aru
Axomar Bhabishyat by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Prantik, Guwahati, Assam, India Dated 01st January,
2000, (Page Number 14 to 18),
57. Axom Bangladesh Simanta Anchalor Sampratik Abastha by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Prantik, Guwahati,
Assam, India Dated 16th April, 1996, (Page Number 20 to 23),
58. Bharat Bangladesh Simantar Bitarkito Gaon Boraibari by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Prantik, Guwahati,
Assam, India Dated 16th May, 2001, (Page Number 13 to 14),
59. Who Possesses Bhogdanga – India or Bangladesh? by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Sentinel, Omega
Printers & Publishers Private Limited, Guwahati, Assam State, India Dated 18th November, 1995, (Front Page
of Saturday Fare),
60. Neighbour – Forsaken Citizens Of Border Village – Who Possesses Bhogdanga – India or Bangladesh by
Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Panorama, Shillong, Meghalaya State, India Dated July, 1996,
61. Northeast – Dhubri Villagers Fenced Out by Shib Shankar Chatterjee – The Telegraph, Dated 15th July,
1997,
62. Reports – …Before Its Too Late : Ominous Clouds Of Insurgency Hover Over North Bengal by Shib
Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North Bengal Plus Page) Dated 23rd July, 1999.
63. Facing A Bleak Future by Shib Shankar Chatterjee – The Telegraph (Northeast Page), Dated 24th
November, 1997.
64. Missing The Trees by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North Bengal Plus Page) Dated 20th
December, 2002.
65. Analysis – What Waterways Can Do by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North East
Page) Dated 30th November, 2002.
66. Nimna Ashame Jal Passporter Ramrama Byabsha Jakiye Boshechhe by Shib Shankar Chatterjee –
Dainik Basumati, Basumati Corporation Limited, Calcutta, West Bengal State, India Dated 01st February,
1994,
67. Varat Bangladesh Simante – Bharatiyader Parichaypatra Vara Khatchhe Anuprobeshkarider Kachhe by
Shib Shankar Chatterjee – Dainik Basumati, Basumati Corporation Limited, Calcutta, West Bengal State,
India Dated 23rd January, 1993,
68. Ashome Voter Talika Niye Avijog – Paisha Dilei Milchhe Pramanpatra by Shib Shankar Chatterjee –
Dainik Basumati, Basumati Corporation Limited, Calcutta, West Bengal State, India Dated 20th December,
1993,
69. Ashomer ‘Vote Banke’ Fatal Dharay Congress Shankito by Shib Shankar Chatterjee – Dainik Basumati,
Basumati Corporation Limited, Calcutta, West Bengal State, India Dated 07th December, 1993,
70. Dhubrir Janashankhya Bridhhi : Sadharan Manush Chintito – Ashome Anuprabesh Niye Rajnitir Khela
Cholchhe by Shib Shankar Chatterjee – Dainik Basumati, Basumati Corporation Limited, Calcutta, West
Bengal State, India Dated 10th March, 1993,
71. Sonkhalaghu Sampradayer Manush Shankito : Andolaner Humki – Voter Talika Songshadhaner Proshne
Ashom Fer Shargaram by Shib Shankar Chatterjee – Dainik Basumati, Basumati Corporation Limited,
Calcutta, West Bengal State, India Dated 01st July, 1993,
72. Ashom Sharkar Bideshi Prashne Bishringkhala Bardasto Korbe Na : Saikia by Shib Shankar Chatterjee
– Dainik Basumati, Basumati Corporation Limited, Calcutta, West Bengal State, India Dated 16th November,
1993,
73. Bharat Bangladesh Simante Kantarer Bera Nirmane Artho Apachoyer Avijog by Shib Shankar
Chatterjee – Dainik Basumati, Basumati Corporation Limited, Calcutta, West Bengal State, India Dated 27th
October, 1992,
74. Victims Of A Movement by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Northeast Sun, Dated October 01-14, 2001, (Page
Number 17).
75. Focus – Illegal Border Trade by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Northeast Sun, Dated April 01-14, 1998, (Page
Number 16).
76. All Disquiet in North-East India – by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, News Blaze, (Newswire Organisation of
United States of America [USA]), Dated 06th November, 2009.
77. Northeast Indian Region Threatened By Illegal Influx – by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, News Blaze,
(Newswire Organisation of United States of America [USA]), Dated 14th November, 2009.
78. Millions of Foreigners in India By Illegal Influx – by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, News Blaze, (Newswire
Organisation of United States of America [USA]), Dated 24th November, 2009.
79. India Ignores Illegal Migration In Northeast India, People Continue to Suffer – by Shib Shankar
Chatterjee, News Blaze, (Newswire Organisation of United States of America [USA]), Dated 13th October,
2009.
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80. An Ugly Attack on Human Rights – by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, News Blaze, (Newswire Organisation of
United States of America [USA]), Dated 29th October, 2009.
81. Saga of Devastation in Brahmaputra Valley River Islands : A Story of Vanishing Islands in North East India –
by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, News Blaze, (Newswire Organisation of United States of America [USA]),
Dated 30th November, 2009.
82. Adverse Possessions Cause India-Bangladesh Boundary Disputes – by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, News
Blaze, (Newswire Organisation of United States of America [USA]), Dated 28th September, 2011.
83. India-Bangladesh International Border Disputes–Muhuri River – by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, News
Blaze, (Newswire Organisation of United States of America [USA]), Dated 18th April, 2012.
84. Bangladesh TV, Radio Programmes Famous in India – by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, News Blaze,
(Newswire Organisation of United States of America [USA]), Dated 24th October, 2009.
85. Bangladeshi Phones for Indian Peoples – by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, News Blaze, (Newswire
Organisation of United States of America [USA]), Dated 05th October, 2009.
86. Stolen Bike Engines Used In Bangladeshi Boats by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, News Blaze, (Newswire
Organisation of United States of America [USA]), Dated 16th July, 2011.
87. Illegal Influx Strains India’s Northeast – by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Asia Times, (Newswire
Organisation of Asia Times Online (Holdings) Limited, Hong Kong, China, Dated 11th December, 2009.
88. This Crisis Seriously Threatens India’s Security And Unity – Bangladeshi Deluge Imperils India – by Shib
Shankar Chatterjee, Asia Times, (Newswire Organisation of Asia Times Online (Holdings) Limited, Hong
Kong, China, Dated 11th January, 2010.
89. Immigrants Jjeopardise India’s Security by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Asia Times, (Newswire
Organisation of Asia Times Online (Holdings) Limited, Hong Kong, China, Dated 17th February, 2010.
90. South Asia’s Trafficking Menace by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Asia Times, (Newswire Organisation of Asia
Times Online (Holdings) Limited, Hong Kong, China, Dated 17th March, 2010.
91. River People Struggle In India by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Asia Times, (Newswire Organisation of Asia
Times Online (Holdings) Limited, Hong Kong, China, Dated 18th March, 2010.
92. Free Riding India's Medical Tourism by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Asia Times, (Newswire Organisation of
Asia Times Online (Holdings) Limited, Hong Kong, China, Dated 25th March, 2010.
93. India, Bangladesh Kick Cross-border by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Asia Times, (Newswire Organisation of
Asia Times Online (Holdings) Limited, Hong Kong, China, Dated 03rd July, 2010.
94. Ghosts Haunt India-Bangladesh Border by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Asia Times, (Newswire Organisation
of Asia Times Online (Holdings) Limited, Hong Kong, China, Dated 01st August, 2010.
95. Real-Life Turn To Veer Zara On The Border by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North East
Page) Dated 08th January, 2007,
96. India’s Unheeded Enclaves Cry Out by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Asia Times, (Newswire Organisation of
Asia Times Online (Holdings) Limited, Hong Kong, China, Dated 01st September, 2010.
97. The possession Of Bhogdanga by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North East Page) Dated 11th
December, 2004,
98. OPEN FORUM – Tragedy Of The Chitmahals by Shib Shankar Chatterjee (The research for this article
was conducted under a fellowship of the National Media Exchange Programme of the National Foundation for
India) – The Statesman (North East Page) Dated 20th September, 2003.
99. FOCUS – A Bangladeshi Enclave In India by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, North East Sun, Dated August 15-
31, 2001.
100. Worst Floods In 50 Years by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North East Page) Dated 19th July,
2003.
101. Kalapani Mourns But Carries On by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North East Page) Dated
03rd May, 2003.
102. Aids Travels By Lorry by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North Bengal Plus Page) Dated 18th
August, 2000.
103. A Mela That Binds by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North Bengal Extra Page) Dated 06th
March, 2010.
104. Pretext Most Foul by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North Bengal Extra Page) Dated 12th
March, 2010.
105. Stranger than fiction by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North Bengal Extra Page) Dated 13th
August, 2010.
106. Still At Large by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North Bengal Plus Page) Dated 12th August,
2011.
107. Front Page : Divided By Circumstance by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North Bengal Plus
Page) Dated 21st October, 2011.
108. Unabated Illegal Bangladeshi Threat To the Ethnic Identity of Northeast India by Shib Shankar
Chatterjee, Government Online Learning Centre of Internet News Agency, (Newswire Organisation of
United States of America [USA]), Dated 29th August, 2011.
109. Indian Militant Group Criticized Indo-Bangla Pact – by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Government Online
Learning Centre of Internet News Agency, (Newswire Organisation of United States of America [USA]), Dated
08th September, 2011.
110. Unchecked Infiltration by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Indian Defence Review (indiandefencereview.com),
New Delhi, India, Dated 08th December, 2012.
111. Dead soldiers guard international border! by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Indian Defence Review
(indiandefencereview.com), New Delhi, India, Dated 21st December, 2012.
112. Gazette Papers of Indian Assam State.
113. Government of India Gazette – 1945 to 2010, (Documents).
114. Census of India (1945 to 2001).

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115. Tin Bigha Facts by Directorate of Advertising & Visual Publicity, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting,
Government of India.
116. Directorate of Land Records & Survey, Government of Assam State, India & Directorate of Land Records &
Survey, Government of West Bengal State, India.
117. Documents of Protocol to the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the
Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Concerning the Demarcation of the Land Boundary
between India and Bangladesh and Related Matters, 16th May, 1974.
118. Documents of Protocol to the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India and the
Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Concerning the Demarcation of the Land Boundary
between India and Bangladesh and Related Matters, 06th September, 2011.
119. Livelihoods On Line At Indian Border – BBC News - Subir Bhaumik, Dated 28th June, 2005.
120. Human Cost Of Dhaka-Delhi Row – BBC News - Subir Bhaumik, 05th February, 2003.
121. India Bangladesh Border Clash At Pyrdiwah – Anirban Roy – Hindustan Times, 17th April, 2001.
122. Newspaper Clips of India, Bangladesh & The Daily Star Newspaper, Bangladesh.
123. Various Seminar Papers of India & Bangladesh.
124. Inputs from the journalist Swapan Das & Writer Mans Paul of Tripura State of India.
125. Rule of Jungle by Amar Roy Pradhan.
126. Statistical Account of Bengal by W. W. Hunter.
127. Indian Enclave Refugee Association (IERA).
128. Diptiman Sengupta, Bharat Bangladesh Enclave Exchange Coordination Committee, District Headquarter,
Coochbehar, West Bengal State, India.
129. Arindam Kumar Sen & Biswanath Das, the members of Association for Protection of Citizen’s Rights for
Indian Chhitmahal Residents & Oustees (APCRICRO).

15