JNU Report on Surge in Delhi Population Biased and Misleading: Muslim Activists

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Research highlights the growing impact of illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya settlers on resources, crime, and politics in the national capital

Team Clarion

NEW DELHI – Muslim leaders and community organisations have sharply criticised a recent report by two Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) professors over the growing number of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar (Rohingya) in Delhi. The 114-page report suggested that this influx has contributed to an increase in the city’s Muslim population. 

“The report is biased and misleading. It is a blatant attempt to vilify a vulnerable section of society,” said Maulana Khalid, a prominent Islamic scholar from Delhi. “It unfairly targets Muslims and immigrants, casting them as criminals and economic burdens, when in reality, they are simply trying to survive in an environment that has long been neglected by the government.”

Another prominent Muslim activist, Imran Ahmad, echoed these sentiments. “The narrative being constructed by these so-called ‘experts’ is nothing but a smear campaign against the Muslim community. The report fails to mention the contributions of Muslims to the city’s economy, culture, and social fabric,” he said.

The report, authored by Professors Manuradha Chaudhary and Preeti Das, claims that the illegal settlers have not only changed the city’s demographic composition but have also created social and economic challenges for the capital.

According to the research, areas such as Seelampur, Jamia Nagar, Zakir Nagar, Mustafabad, and several other localities have become hubs for Rohingya and Bangladeshi migrants, placing immense pressure on housing, healthcare, education, and resources. The report suggests that these migrants, often living under the political protection of certain parties, are increasingly displacing local workers and fuelling criminal networks in the city.

“The rapid increase in population, particularly in areas with a large influx of illegal immigrants, has placed an overwhelming burden on Delhi’s already strained resources, affecting the daily lives of residents,” said Prof Chaudhary. The report also warns that the growing number of settlers is exacerbating the strain on essential services such as healthcare and education, where overcrowding and under-resourced facilities have been linked to deteriorating quality of services.

One of the most glaring impacts, according to the report, is on housing. Areas such as Jamia Nagar, Seelampur, and Mustafabad are facing housing shortages, with overcrowding exacerbating problems. The report suggests that jobs traditionally held by local workers, especially those from Purvanchal, are now being filled by illegal migrants, who often accept lower wages due to political backing.

Prof Das said, “There has been a shift in the labour market, where illegal migrants are competing for jobs that were once available to local workers. This has led to economic disparities and has further exacerbated tensions between locals and settlers.”

Another serious allegation made in the report is the link between illegal immigration and an increase in criminal activity. The authors claim that criminal networks are thriving in areas with high numbers of illegal settlers. “There are growing concerns that many of these immigrants are involved in or contributing to organised crime,” the report warns.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress of providing political protection to these immigrants for electoral gain. “These infiltrators, who have found political patronage, are now a major threat to the security of Delhi,” Patra said, adding that political parties were allowing the creation of fake votes through fraudulent means.

Activist Ahmad also pointed out that many of the areas cited in the report, such as Jamia Nagar and Seelampur, are home to both Muslims and non-Muslims, making it unfair to single out these communities as the cause of Delhi’s problems. “The issues faced by Delhi – whether in housing, education, or healthcare – are a result of years of misgovernance, not the presence of a particular community,” he said.

The Muslim community has expressed concerns that the report could fuel communal tensions and increase the marginalisation of Muslims in the city. “At a time when we need unity and cooperation to overcome the challenges Delhi faces, such reports only create division,” said Nazeer Ahmed, a community leader.

In response to the accusations of criminal activity, Muslim leaders have called for a fairer approach. “The report fails to provide a nuanced understanding of the complex socio-economic conditions in these areas. It assumes guilt by association without any solid evidence to back these claims,” said Syed Ali, a researcher and activist based in Delhi. “This kind of reporting only perpetuates stereotypes and stigmatises entire communities.”

Experts have also raised concerns about the methodology of the report. Dr Ramesh Kumar, a sociologist who reviewed the research, questioned the accuracy and representation of the findings. “While it is true that illegal immigration poses challenges to Delhi, this report lacks a comprehensive analysis. It paints a picture of an entire community as a threat without providing solid data or understanding the deeper issues at play,” he said. “The portrayal of Rohingyas and Bangladeshis as the main cause of Delhi’s problems is oversimplified and sensationalised.”

As the city grapples with its ever-growing challenges, it is clear that the issue of illegal immigration and its effects on the social fabric of the capital will continue to be a contentious and divisive topic. With both political and social implications at stake, the debate is likely to intensify as more voices, including those from within the Muslim community, speak out against what they perceive as unjust and discriminatory narratives.

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