Bhubaneswar: Expressing serious concerns over national security, the Hindu Jagran Manch Odisha (Purv) has called for the immediate identification and deportation of illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators residing in the state.
During a press conference held at the Buddha Mandir in Bhubaneswar, Tanmay Dash, the organising secretary, urged the state government to take stringent action not only against the infiltrators but also against the network that facilitates their settlement in Odisha.
Dash emphasised that the presence of illegally residing Bangladeshi nationals poses a grave threat to India’s internal security. “The central government has already issued directives to states to identify and expel these illegal residents. This is a historic and timely move that we fully support,” he stated.
According to the Hindu Jagran Manch, the increasing population of Bangladeshi infiltrators in Odisha is adversely affecting the state’s economy, cultural fabric, and law and order. Dash alleged that there has been a noticeable rise in illicit activities, including drug trafficking, from villages to urban centres, which he linked to the presence of these infiltrators.
Welcoming the Odisha government’s consideration of forming a Special Task Force (STF) to identify and deport infiltrators, Dash called for even stricter measures against the supporting network—an alleged organised ecosystem that aids illegal immigrants by helping them obtain voter IDs, ration cards, and other government documents. “This ecosystem primarily operates for vote bank politics but compromises national security in the process,” he added.
In response to recent remarks by Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das—perceived as sympathetic towards Bangladeshi residents—Dash described her statement as “unfortunate, insensitive, and mocking the nation’s security concerns.” He demanded an immediate public apology from the Mayor.
The Hindu Jagran Manch further warned that if prompt action is not taken by the state government, a widespread public movement may emerge across Odisha in the coming days. He urged the government to not only identify infiltrators but also deny them access to all government welfare schemes and services.
Prominent figures at the press conference included Raghunath Barik, State Convenor; Ashish Bidurendra Chhottaray, Co-Convenor; Amitabh Das, Senior Advocate at the Orissa High Court; and Dambaru Jayasingh, Bhubaneswar City Convenor.
The Hindu Jagran Manch concluded its briefing by appealing to both the public and the administration to act in the interest of national integrity and public safety.
