Bengal’s Migrant Workers Illegally Detained by Odisha Govt: TMC
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has accused the BJP-ruled Odisha government of illegally detaining Bengali-speaking migrant workers under the pretext of identifying unauthorized immigrants. According to reports, these detentions have occurred despite the laborers possessing valid documents. TMC Rajya Sabha MP Samirul Islam has alleged that these detentions are part of a “deliberate pattern of harassment” based solely on the workers’ language and origin.
The controversy surrounding the detentions has sparked widespread anger and concern among the migrant worker community, with many calling for immediate action to be taken to protect the rights of these workers. The TMC has demanded that the Odisha government release the detained workers forthwith and provide them with adequate compensation for the harassment and mental trauma they have suffered.
The tensions between the two states have been escalating over the past few weeks, with the Odisha government initiating a drive to identify and deport unauthorized immigrants. The TMC has criticized this move, stating that it is a thinly veiled attempt to target Bengali-speaking workers and create a sense of tension and hostility towards them.
The detentions have been reported in several districts of Odisha, including Cuttack, Khurda, and Puri. According to sources, the workers were picked up from their workplaces and homes, and taken to detention centers without being given any reason or explanation. Many of the workers have been held in detention for several days, with some even being subjected to physical and mental abuse.
The TMC has accused the Odisha government of using the drive to target Bengali-speaking workers, who are largely employed in the construction, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors. The party claims that the workers have been unfairly targeted based solely on their language and origin, and that the detentions are a deliberate attempt to harass and intimidate them.
The controversy has also raised concerns about the rights of migrant workers in general, who are often vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Many migrant workers are forced to work long hours for low wages, and are often subjected to harsh working conditions. The detentions have also highlighted the need for better protection and support for these workers, who are often far from their families and communities.
The TMC has demanded that the Odisha government take immediate action to address the concerns of the migrant worker community. The party has called for the release of the detained workers, and for the government to provide them with adequate compensation for the harassment and mental trauma they have suffered. The TMC has also demanded that the government take steps to ensure that the rights of migrant workers are protected, and that they are treated with dignity and respect.
The controversy has also sparked a debate about the issue of migration and the rights of migrant workers. Many experts have argued that the Odisha government’s drive to identify and deport unauthorized immigrants is a misguided attempt to address the issue, and that it will only serve to create more problems for the migrant worker community.
The TMC’s allegations have been denied by the Odisha government, which has claimed that the detentions were carried out in accordance with the law. The government has stated that the workers were detained because they lacked valid documents, and that they will be deported if they are found to be unauthorized immigrants.
However, the TMC has disputed these claims, stating that many of the detained workers possess valid documents and are legitimate residents of Odisha. The party has called for an independent inquiry into the matter, and has demanded that the government take immediate action to address the concerns of the migrant worker community.
The controversy has also highlighted the need for better coordination and cooperation between the governments of West Bengal and Odisha. The two states have a long history of cooperation and collaboration, and it is essential that they work together to address the concerns of the migrant worker community.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the detention of Bengali-speaking migrant workers by the Odisha government has sparked widespread anger and concern among the migrant worker community. The TMC has accused the Odisha government of illegally detaining these workers, and has demanded that they be released forthwith and provided with adequate compensation for the harassment and mental trauma they have suffered. The controversy has also raised concerns about the rights of migrant workers in general, and has highlighted the need for better protection and support for these workers.
