The colossal unrest, future uncertainty, political and
social chaos of the immediate neighbouring country Bangladesh has opened the
wide debatable door to many opinions, worries and questions. The issue is not just limited to Bangladesh
but is a global issue and in the context of India, it is an issue of grave concern.
There are many facts, past deeds and motives behind
the toppling down of the present Government of Bangladesh led by Mrs Sheikh
Hasina on 5, August, 2024. In India, every intellectual, media person,
Governments, governmental agencies, security agencies are deeply involved to
sort out, come up with a plan of action and handle the outcomes that may evolve
next.
During such an hour of confusion, strong
decision-making challenges and balancing the relationship amid differences in
ideology, India must stand together and it is a responsibility of every Indians
to protect our national integrity and borders.
Amidst many approaches, there is one that is concerned
with humanity. Since, the minorities of Bangladesh are now in a great danger of
being openly exploited and harmed and many political leaders of India are
addressing the uprising of such issues with a query regarding the protection
and the growing possible numbers of refugees that
may flee to India seeking asylum. The important point of fact is that will
Indian Government in the name of asylum will develop a way for erosion of
humanity provisions of the Indian minority communities residing in the border
regions of civil war-torn Bangladesh or not?
Since, many decades the northern regions of the State
West Bengal and the neighboring states have witnessed the growing number of
influxes from Bangladesh whether it be a voluntarily or involuntarily move.
Specifically, the regions of Darjeeling district, Dooars, Malda and some other
districts have encountered a grave political, social and environmental crisis. This
fact has been challenged many a times by the political leaders too but it has
been kept limited to their political adventure and electoral benefits.
Now the concern is not about illegal influx but about
the asylum. However, the primary concern of the indigenous people of these
regions is the social, economic and political fundamental protection as
guaranteed by the Constitution of India from the probability of the next
uprising crisis like unemployment crisis, societal polarization, lack of
economic opportunities, insufficient public structures etc. It is the most
critical hour to make a grave decision. The citizens of India have all the
right to seek protection from the Government and it would not be inhumane to
seek the protection of the fundamental rights. The ultimate decision of the
Government must meet the fundamental rights and expectations of the citizens.
So, it is up to the wise decision of the Government to handle the issues
regarding the asylum and the protection of the fundamental rights of the Indian
citizens living within the borders of the Bangladesh. It is the global duty of
the people to care for those who are in trouble but this concept should not
undermine the security of many others too.
It is quite necessary to promote humanity and humanity towards the citizens is the basic duty of the Government. The citizens voice must not go unheard. The responsible citizens demand and expectations may collide with the diplomatic nature of the Government but seeking protection of the fundamental rights must always shine in the diplomatic decisions of the Government specifically during the tough and rough hours. For the citizens the issues are not just limited to the national security and border protection but it is beyond those concerns i.e. social, economic, environmental and political concerns including the national security and border protection. The people’s demand is “fight the risk factor and upheld the fundamental rights”.
(The writer is a socio-political activist from Kalimpong.
Views are personal. Email: anantapradhan2207@gmail.com)
