RANCHI: BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo has accused the Jharkhand government of enabling the settlement of infiltrators in the state by providing them with identity proofs, thus encroaching on the rights and interests of the tribal population. Shah Deo claims that this has resulted in illegal occupation of lands traditionally owned by tribals, further exacerbating demographic changes in the region. He alleged that these infiltrators have received official documents, which has facilitated their settlement in tribal areas, diminishing the influence and presence of the indigenous population.
This accusation comes amidst growing concerns within the BJP about the protection of tribal rights and land ownership in Jharkhand. The party has raised alarm over the growing influence of “infiltrators,” with BJP leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, vowing to take strong action should the party come to power in the state. Shah has pointed to a concerning trend where infiltrators marry tribal women to acquire land rights, a practice he intends to combat through new legislation.
Amit Shah has also outlined plans to create a committee that will focus on identifying and expelling these infiltrators from tribal areas. This committee will also aim to reclaim the lands that have been taken by these settlers, ensuring that the rightful tribal inhabitants retain control over their ancestral property. The government has promised to address this issue with strict measures to safeguard tribal land and rights.
In addition, the BJP plans to introduce new laws that would prevent land transfers to individuals who gain access through marriages to tribal women. These proposed measures aim to halt the perceived exploitation of tribal communities, ensuring that tribal land remains in the hands of its rightful owners and preventing further encroachment by non-tribal settlers.
