Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – A recent fact-finding report has dismissed claims of “Love-Land Jihad” and Bangladeshi infiltration in Jharkhand’s Santhal Pargana region, stating that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is using these issues to stir religious polarisation ahead of state elections.
The report, conducted by Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha and Loktantra Bachao Abhiyan, reveals that the real challenges facing the tribal population in the region are economic hardships, inadequate healthcare, and violations of the Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act (SPTA), not the alleged influx of Bangladeshi immigrants.
The BJP has repeatedly alleged that Bangladeshi infiltrators are settling in Santhal Pargana, occupying tribal land, and marrying tribal women, leading to a decline in the tribal population. These accusations have been linked to several violent incidents in the region. To investigate these claims, the fact-finding team visited key villages, including Gayabthan, Taranagar-Ilami, Gopinathpur, Kulapahari, and KKM College, and conducted interviews with locals, victims, accused individuals, village leaders, and social workers.
Ground Reality vs. BJP’s Narrative
The report presents a stark contrast to the BJP’s narrative, stating, “The ground reality is far from the communal claims made by the BJP. No evidence was found to support the allegations of Bangladeshi infiltration or forced marriages.”
In the village of Gayabthan, a 30-year-long land dispute between tribal and Muslim families culminated in violence on July 18. The incident was followed by a protest by tribal students at KKM College on July 27, during which students were reportedly beaten by police in their hostel. However, the report clarifies that this conflict, like others in the region, was a local dispute unrelated to any Bangladeshi infiltration.
In Taranagar-Ilami, tensions flared after a photo of a Hindu girl was shared on social media, leading to an attack on a Muslim family by Hindu locals. Rumours that a Muslim woman had died in the attack led to further violence, but again, the fact-finding team found no evidence of Bangladeshi involvement.
A similar pattern was observed in Gopinathpur, where a dispute over the sacrificial practice during Bakrid led to clashes between Muslims and Hindus. The report notes, “The incidents in these villages were the result of local disputes, and there is no evidence to suggest the involvement of Bangladeshi infiltrators.”
The BJP Mandal President of Taranagar Ilami admitted that all Muslims in his area were long-time residents, contradicting claims of infiltration. “All Muslims in our area are residents of this region, not Bangladeshi infiltrators,” he said.
Communalisation of Social Disputes
The report accuses the BJP of communalising local disputes to create a narrative of Bangladeshi infiltration and “Love-Land Jihad.” It states, “BJP leaders have linked social disputes to Bangladeshi infiltrators, violating the privacy of tribal women by falsely claiming that they are being married off to these infiltrators. These marriages are consensual and based on mutual choice, not coercion.”
In one instance, Scheduled Tribe Commission member and BJP leader Asha Lakra released a list of ten tribal women married to Muslim men, alleging that these marriages were part of a larger conspiracy by Bangladeshi infiltrators. However, the fact-finding team found that out of these ten women, six were married to local Muslims, and the other four to tribal men. None were married to Bangladeshi infiltrators.
The report criticises the circulation of such lists, calling it “a gross violation of the women’s right to privacy” and urging that action be taken against those responsible.
The report dismisses BJP’s claims that Bangladeshi infiltrators are responsible for the declining tribal population. Instead, it highlights the violation of the Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act (SPTA) as a significant issue. “Tribals are selling their land to non-tribals through informal and illegal means, a clear violation of SPTA,” the report notes, adding that this reflects the economic difficulties faced by the tribal community.
The socio-economic problems of the tribals in Santhal Pargana also highlight the failure of both the previous and current state governments to address these issues. “The government’s action on the basic issues of Santhal Pargana and other areas of the state, such as the weak economic condition of the tribals, non-tribals buying land in violation of SPTA, non-tribals and people from other states occupying government jobs, inadequate nutrition, inadequate health system, and the high mortality rate of tribals due to economic hardship, is disappointing,” the report states.
The Myth of Bangladeshi Infiltration
BJP leaders have repeatedly claimed that the tribal population in Santhal Pargana has decreased by 10-16 per cent over the last 24 years due to Bangladeshi infiltration. However, the fact-finding report argues that these figures are misleading. It points out that, according to census data, the region’s tribal population has declined for reasons unrelated to Bangladeshi immigration.
In 1951, tribals made up 46.8% of the population in Santhal Pargana, while Muslims accounted for 9.44% and Hindus for 43.5%. By 1991, the tribal population had fallen to 31.89%, while the Muslim population had risen to 18.25%. The most recent census (2011) showed that tribals accounted for 28.11%, Muslims 22.73%, and Hindus 49% of the population. The report states that the primary reasons for the decline in the tribal population include inadequate nutrition, healthcare, and economic hardships, not the presence of Bangladeshi infiltrators.
Demands from the State Government
In light of their findings, Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha and Loktantra Bachao Abhiyan have made several demands from the state government:
- Action Against Communal Rhetoric: The state should take firm action against BJP leaders and any other individuals or organisations using terms like “Bangladeshi infiltrators,” “land jihad,” and “love jihad” to spread communal tension.
- Justice for Victims: Police should take appropriate action against those responsible for the incidents in Gayabthan, Taranagar-Ilami, Gopinathpur, Kulapahari, and KKM College, as well as against police officers involved in the violence against students at KKM College.
- Protection of Tribal Land: The Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act should be strictly enforced to prevent the sale of tribal land to non-tribals. A revisional survey should be conducted promptly, and the findings should be made public.
- Review of Public Information Systems: The telephone system set up by district administrations in Santhal Pargana for reporting Bangladeshi infiltration should be dismantled immediately.
- Economic Study: The state government should establish a high-level committee to study the economic conditions of tribals in all Fifth Schedule areas, including Santhal Pargana, to address issues such as low population growth, land settlement, and job displacement.
The fact-finding report casts serious doubt on the BJP’s narrative of “Love-Land Jihad” and Bangladeshi infiltration in Jharkhand, urging the state government to focus on the real issues affecting the tribal population, rather than allowing communal tensions to be stoked for political gain. As Jharkhand approaches its elections, the report serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of using unverified claims for electoral advantage.
This story was originally published in clarionindia.net.