• Dr Lulubala Nayak

The phenomenon of migration has existed since the hoary past in human civilisation in search of a better living. But gradually, it has acquired a dimension to become a threat to national security, as perceived by many countries. Factors such as large-scale socio-cultural, economic upheaval and political persecution, segregation, and resultant instability force people to leave their traditional habitat and homeland to seek safety, security, and possible prosperity, often in another land, especially a neighbouring one. Since the Bangladesh liberation war of 1971 and its aftermath phases, illegal immigration from Bangladesh is alleged to have been a continuing process of serious concern for India. Prevailing social-cultural affinities and economic determinants have been crucial in pushing Bangladeshi immigrants to India. Of all the neighbouring Indian states, West Bengal seems to be the most affected region by such Bangladeshi illegal immigrants. The civilisational linkages, ethnic similarities, and geographical proximity between the two regions (Bangladesh-West Bengal) make the cross-border movement of illegal migrants possible. In addition to the problem of illegal immigration, the porous border provides a favourable climate to enter the region and spread criminal networks and activities, including smuggling cattle to drugs and human trafficking. This ever-increasing flow of migrants poses many security threats to the region, such as demographic imbalance because of the increasing population of the other and unemployment for locals in the Border States, very often erupting in ethnic clashes, casting its shadows Centre-State ties in India in so far as West Bengal-New Delhi relations is concerned. The study intends to reason out the factors behind illegal immigration from Bangladesh and analyse its impact on human and social security in a larger framework with a focus on the Centre-State dynamics in the prism of West Bengal with the Union Government of India. The paper also sheds some light on the constructive suggestions that can be considered to mitigate the issue, ensure security, and establish peace in the border region while strengthening the friendly bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh.

Illegal migration, Human security, Federalism, India, Bangladesh, West Bengal.

"Security Challenges to India: Issue of Illegal Immigration from Bangladesh", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 3, page no.b502-b509, March-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2403160.pdf

"Security Challenges to India: Issue of Illegal Immigration from Bangladesh", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 3, page no. ppb502-b509, March-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2403160.pdf