On the border with Bangladesh, India harasses Muslims under the guise of hunting 'infiltrators'

Indian authorities in West Bengal are intensifying a crackdown on migrants from neighboring Bangladesh, a campaign that disproportionately targets Muslims. Regional officials from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party are leading the charge, focusing on the border province. The operation risks expelling Indian Muslims if they fail to prove their nationality, sparking significant concern.

The crackdown is framed as a pursuit of "infiltrators" but appears to be a systematic targeting of minority populations. Human rights advocates worry that the lack of clear documentation or the inability to access it could lead to the arbitrary expulsion of citizens. This situation highlights the precarious position of many Muslims in India, particularly in border regions where national identity can be contested.

The campaign in West Bengal underscores broader anxieties about citizenship and national identity in India. Critics argue that such policies can be used to marginalize religious minorities and that the focus on nationality can obscure humanitarian concerns. The international community is watching closely as these policies unfold, with potential implications for regional stability and human rights.