The increasing influx of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants into Ernakulam has raised concerns relating to cross-border terrorism and distribution of drugs.
The police fear that the recent arrest of seven Bangladeshi nationals from a camp of inter-state migrant labourers in Aluva pointed fingers at the vulnerable transit points of migrant labourers here.
Investigations revealed that illegal immigrants, who often come in different batches, are distributed across the State in search of employment. They have now found a safe haven in Kochi, where they mingle with the migrant population from North India and find jobs.
Official estimates showed that nearly 70 illegal immigrants were arrested over the last four years from Ernakulam Rural region alone, regarded as the hub of migrant labourers in Kerala. Of this, about eight persons were arrested in the first six months of 2015.
During interrogation here last week, the arrested Bangladeshis spoke of crossing over the border on foot through breaks in the fence between India and Bangladesh, said sub inspector Faisal P.A.
“In some cases, they also enter the country when the river water level is low either by swimming or using canoes. They easily secure forged Indian ID cards, which is almost like a cottage industry in the border areas, and then go about their business,” he said.
Intelligence Additional Director General of Police Hemachandran acknowledged the need for consistent monitoring of migrant workers to tackle the issue. “Majority of these persons are solely driven by economic compulsions and concentrated around Perumbavoor, owing to the large number of opportunities available there,” he pointed out.
“Similarly, we have been also in touch with our counterparts in their home states and share whatever inputs we have about them,” Mr. Hemanchandran added.
Meanwhile, top police officials said the issue had once again highlighted the need to improve policing among migrant labourers.
Despite best efforts by the police, there are still many who are yet to be documented. For instance in Perumbavoor, the police have managed to provide photo-fingerprint identity cards to just 3,000 among the over one lakh labourers settled there.
