In a surprising turn of events, thousands of Bengali-Muslim families in India are grappling with an uncertain future following a recent immigration crackdown. In Gurugram, a wealthy suburb adjacent to Delhi, stark contrasts can be seen between the luxurious high-rises and the nearby slums filled with migrant workers. Last month, local authorities began a "verification" initiative aimed at identifying illegal immigrants, predominantly detaining Bengali-speaking Muslims from West Bengal.
Witnesses reported police brutality during the detentions, leading to widespread fear among the community. One daily-wage worker, Ather Ali Sheikh, recalled how he was held for six days despite having valid identification, raising questions about the fairness of the process. Many workers deserted their jobs and homes overnight, fearing for their safety and that of their families.
Gurugram's police officials insist that no specific ethnic group is targeted and claim that only a small fraction of those detained will actually be deported. However, reports reveal that an overwhelming number of those rounded up came from the same community as Sheikh, leading to public skepticism over the police's claims.
Trash has begun to pile up in the city as fewer workers remain, affecting the quality of life for residents. Crackdowns on alleged illegal immigrants have occurred before, but they appear to have intensified under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. Many families have been uprooted, with reports of detainees being flown out of Delhi after being held for questioning.
Amidst ongoing tension, community members describe a deep sense of injustice. They express feeling targeted not only for their economic status but also for their ethnic identity, further complicating their struggles. Critics argue that without clear guidelines or a wider refugee law, the situation for these families could worsen, leaving them feeling vulnerable and abandoned. In the backdrop of their daily lives, many Bengali-Muslims are now living in fear, clutching their documentation and wondering what the future holds.
