HNLC resents CM remarks on illegal migrants

“How   can we forget the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971 where more than 10 million   Bangladeshi Hindus from Bangladesh had come to seek refuge in the North   Eastern part, including Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Manipur and other parts of   India?” the release asked.

The   press note further stated that it cannot be forgotten that these same people   who came to India were given the status of refugees because they belonged to   the Hindu community as there was unrest in East Pakistan between Bengali   Muslims and Bengali Hindus at that time.

The   press note signed by HNLC Publicity Secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw further   queried, “Where have these people disappeared now? It has been 41 years now   and we can roughly calculate as to what extent has the  ten million refugees and their offspring increased   in our state as well as our neighbouring states.

Nongtraw   cited the refugee colony Umpling as an example stating that ‘people who were   refugees are now turned to businessmen and have constructed buildings in   their areas and also giving houses at rent at exorbitant prices. They also   have a practice to not allow any indigenous people as tenants in their   premises.’

The   statement further pointed out that these same Bangladeshi Hindu refugees have   obtained EPIC, ration card, pan card, trading licenses and are enjoying all   the luxuries of the gifts by the Government of India and Meghalaya as well.

“These   refugees and their offspring have spread their roots all across the state in   areas like Laban, Jail Road, Polo, Khyndailad, Rynjah, Mawprem, Mawbah,   Laitumkhrah et cetera, and are living at par with the locals of the state”   Nongtraw pointed out adding that ‘even two of the local legislators have won   elections from these refugees.’

It   also said that the council stands firm that whether a Bengali Muslim or   Bengali Hindu, Bangladeshis are Bangladeshis irrespective of their religious   backgrounds.

Citing   an example of atrocities at Langpih, Nongtraw said that the Indo Nepal treaty   1950 has also brought much destruction to the demography of the state, places   like Nongmynsong, Mawbah, Jhalupara, Mawprem.

Taking   a dig at Mawprem legislator Manas Choudhury’s suggestion of the three-tier   card system, the press note said it is only meant to protect the interests of   the refugees who had obtained all the valid documents to prove their   citizenship, and hence this group of people will be protected, as they are   the vote banks. By Our Reporter