History Reverses: Outward Flow at Hakimpur Border

In Hakimpur, West Bengal, undocumented Bangladeshi nationals are voluntarily returning to Bangladesh due to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, replicating the migratory patterns witnessed in 1947 and 1971 but in reverse. The local community responds by continuing its long-standing tradition of providing aid to those in transit.

In a poignant turn of events at the Hakimpur border in West Bengal, waves of undocumented Bangladeshi nationals are making their way back home, a reversal of the historical paths witnessed in 1947 and 1971. The shift is attributed to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls currently underway.

The grassroots response in Hakimpur mirrors its past, with locals stepping forward to aid those affected. Villagers are once again lining the muddy lanes with pots of food and refreshments, reminiscent of the welcoming gestures extended during the country's tumultuous past migrations.

Security officials and migrants routinely cite the impending verification checks as the catalyst for this movement. Many migrants acknowledge their lack of legal identification and are choosing to return to Bangladesh voluntarily, underscoring the deep ties and complex narratives along South Bengal's border regions.

(With inputs from agencies.)