Why Indians Are Silent on Illegal Immigration and the Rohingya Crisis

India, a diverse nation with multiculturalism, multilingualism, and a secular structure, has a demography divided by hundreds of languages, tribes, religions, all united by the term India. This diversity, however, often leads to a fragmented society where individual groups prioritize their own issues over national concerns. This article delves into the reasons why Indians are often silent on the issues of illegal immigration, particularly regarding Bangladesh and the Rohingya minority.

The History and Impact of Illegal Immigration in India

Illegal immigration from Bangladesh has been a persistent issue in India. Historically, people of India have not been silent about the matter; resistance has erupted on numerous occasions. In 1983, for instance, in Nellie, Assam, clashes erupted between illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and local indigenous people. Such incidents have often been met with a breakdown of law and order, leading to an #8220;era of fire#8221; as local communities demanded action.

Local vs. National Concerns

However, the nature of Indian society means that national security issues rarely garner the same level of attention and concern as local matters. This is primarily because the Indian society is too divided by various classes, castes, languages, and religions. Problems are only considered significant when they directly affect the group or people the individual identifies with. National security threats, such as those faced by Israel or the United States, are not a priority in the Indian context.

The Impact of Electoral Politics

The way Indian politics operates further dilutes national consciousness. Consider an example from Mumbai where a Maratha-aligned group accuses outsiders of being responsible for most crimes. National parties, instead of addressing the underlying issues, respond by engaging in political rhetoric and trying to assign blame based on irrelevant factors like caste or religious affiliation. This creates a focus on local concerns at the expense of a national solution.

If we look at the situation in Assam today, illegal immigration from Bangladesh has led to majority-Muslim districts, significantly outnumbering the indigenous population. While this is a grave national issue, it remains largely a concern for Assam, with other states showing little interest or concern. The phrase "Inward-looking" aptly describes the Indian mindset, where people tend to focus on issues that directly affect them.

Secularism and Political Posturing

Secularism in India, an important value, plays a role in this dynamic. Parties often use the issue of illegal immigration as a political tool. For instance, Mamata Banerjee of Bengal has accused the BJP of trying to divide the country, and Sunni Bohra groups claim the NRC is targeting Bengalis. These polarizing statements obscure the need for a national solution.

The Indian mindset remains rooted in comfort, with many individuals prioritizing personal gains over national interests. As Mamata Banerjee, for example, needs a Muslim vote to stay in power, she supports Bangladeshi immigrants. This political expediency further undermines genuine efforts to address the issue of illegal immigration and the Rohingya crisis.

The Broader Context

The silent majority in India tends to be more inward-looking, focusing on local issues rather than national ones. Additionally, the historical influence of figures like Mahatma Gandhi and his influence on societal norms, has created a culture where people are hesitant to speak out against issues they believe might alienate or offend others. This is further perpetuated by the fear of backlash from both Muslims and other communities.

Therefore, to answer the question why Indians remain silent on illegal immigration and the Rohingya crisis, it is essential to address the national vs. local divide, the role of electoral politics, and the broader societal norms that prioritize personal comfort over national security.