New Delhi: The Hemant Soren-led government in Jharkhand is under intense scrutiny for its alleged failure to tackle two pressing issues: the rising threat of extremism and the unchecked influx of illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators. These interlinked problems pose significant risks to the states security and demographic balance.Al-Qaedas expanding influence in JharkhandA recent multi-agency operation, spearheaded by Delhi Police, Jharkhand ATS, and central intelligence agencies, has exposed a growing Al-Qaeda presence in the region. The operation uncovered a plot to establish a Khilafat in India, leading to the arrest of 12 individuals, including a doctor, a madrasa teacher, and several others involved in low-income jobs. Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmed, an MBBS doctor from Jharkhand, is believed to be the mastermind behind the group, with alleged international ties. He reportedly sought the help of Mufti Rahmatullah Majhiri, a madrasa teacher from Chanho, Ranchi, to recruit young men into extremist activities. What stands out in this operation is the diverse socio-economic backgrounds of those involved. Many of the arrested individuals came from economically disadvantaged families and performed menial jobs such as number plate making and tire repairs. This indicates a calculated effort by extremist groups to exploit vulnerable communities across various social strata, using them to propagate radical ideologies.Growing crisis of illegal infiltrationSimultaneously, Jharkhand is grappling with an escalating crisis of illegal Bangladeshi infiltration, especially in the Santhal Pargana region, which includes districts like Pakur. According to the 2011 Census, Pakurs population grew by 28%. However, recent voter verification efforts have shown an alarming 65% voter growth in Muslim-majority areas, hinting at a significant influx of illegal migrants.Despite these shocking numbers, the Pakur district administrations verification process was hasty and superficial. The entire operation was completed in just three days, relying solely on voter cards and Aadhaar matches, without any deeper investigation into document authenticity. This has drawn criticism, as large-scale forgeries of Aadhaar cards and birth certificates have been reported, further complicating the situation.Governments role under scrutinyCritics have accused the Hemant Soren government of turning a blind eye to illegal Bangladeshi migration, allegedly for political gain. The administration has been blamed for leveraging these illegal immigrants to build a sympathetic voter base. This lax approach to governance has fueled concerns over national security and the states electoral integrity.The shallow verification of voter lists in Pakur-Maheshpur, where only 9 of 263 polling stations were investigated, raises further doubts about the governments seriousness in addressing this issue. The administrations explanation that voter growth is due to population increase and awareness campaigns fails to account for the demographic anomalies observed.Implications for Jharkhand and beyondThe confluence of extremist activity and illegal infiltration in Jharkhand presents a worrying scenario. The states inability to curb these threats could destabilize the region, posing long-term challenges to national security and social harmony. As extremist ideologies grow and unchecked migration continues, Jharkhand may face a volatile future, with its internal stability and legal systems under siege.
