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West Bengal-based human rights organization Association for Protection of Democratic Rights (APDR) has alleged that many people, including women, children, and families, are being forcibly pushed towards the zero line of the India-Bangladesh border on suspicion of being Bangladeshi. The organization claims that such actions have created a severe humanitarian crisis in the border areas.
The human rights organization has asserted that this situation is not merely a matter of border management; rather, it is a severe humanitarian crisis. According to them, India’s ‘Detect, Delete, and Deport’ or ‘3-D’ policy is one of the main causes of the current situation. APDR alleges that this policy is contrary to human rights and constitutional rights.
Meanwhile, conflicting statements regarding the border situation have emerged from the border guarding forces of both countries. Bangladeshi sources have reported that dozens of people have been observed stranded at various zero lines along the Panchagarh, Lalmonirhat, Naogaon, and Chapainawabganj borders recently. It is alleged that attempts were made to push them into Bangladesh.
Conversely, the Indian government states that the established bilateral process between the two countries is being followed to repatriate foreign nationals residing illegally. New Delhi also expressed hope for a swift response from Bangladesh regarding citizenship verification.
In protest of the situation, APDR has called for a demonstration program in Malda on June 11. The organization demands that all individuals stranded at the border be brought to a safe place and that decisions regarding them be made in accordance with international human rights standards.
The statement further emphasized that while ensuring border security is important, protecting the human dignity of women, children, and vulnerable individuals is equally crucial. According to the organization, resolving the current crisis requires an end to the ‘pushback’ policy, the rescue of those stranded in the zero line, and the abolition of India’s 3-D policy.