Unfolding Reverse Migration: The Silent Exodus at West Bengal's Borders

An unusual reverse migration is taking place at the West Bengal border due to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Many undocumented Bangladeshi nationals, living in India for years, are choosing to return to Bangladesh, fearing verification and potential detention.

At the Hakimpur BSF border outpost in West Bengal, a quiet exodus is unfolding, with undocumented Bangladeshi nationals forming queues beside a narrow, dusty mud lane. Many are waiting with families to return home after living in India for years without proper documents.

The surge in departures is linked to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state. The revision has prompted fear among these migrants that their lack of documentation could lead to questioning or detention. Locals and officials report an increase in those attempting to cross back into Bangladesh.

While political contention brews over the issue in West Bengal, the individuals involved face a more immediate challenge: leaving behind the life they built on false identities and undocumented existence. Despite the hardships faced, the migrants are determined to return, moving from a life in shadows to a hopeful, albeit uncertain, daylight return home.

(With inputs from agencies.)