What Steps is Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury Taking to Protect Migrant Muslim Labourers in Odisha?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Chowdhury's appeal highlights the plight of migrant workers.
- The letter emphasizes the need for compassion amid security measures.
- He urges protection for innocent Bengali-speaking individuals.
- The ongoing drive against illegal migrants raises concerns of police excesses.
- Ensuring the rights of all citizens is paramount for social harmony.
Bhubaneswar, April 28 (NationPress) Senior Congress figure and former MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has formally requested the intervention of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to guarantee the safety and well-being of migrant Muslim workers from West Bengal residing in the state.
In a letter addressed to CM Majhi on Monday, Chowdhury mentioned that a significant number of Bengali individuals, primarily from the minority Muslim community, are employed as migrant labourers across various regions of Odisha.
The senior Congress politician further noted that the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which led to the tragic loss of innocent lives, has profoundly unsettled the country’s security framework.
Police forces nationwide have initiated efforts to identify illegal Bangladeshi immigrants residing in the country.
“While identifying and deporting illegal migrants is essential, it is regrettable that the current initiative is adversely affecting the lives and livelihoods of many innocent individuals who are poor and vulnerable,” Chowdhury expressed.
He lamented that a large number of Bengali-speaking Muslims, especially those living outside of West Bengal, including Odisha, in pursuit of their livelihoods, are facing targeting, harassment, torture, and threats of deportation.
He asserted that these labourers, who predominantly belong to the lower strata of society, are the primary victims of police excesses evident in the ongoing drive to identify illegal migrants.
“I have been consistently receiving reports about innocent and impoverished Bengali-speaking individuals being unfairly targeted and subjected to relentless torture concerning their nationality,” Chowdhury claimed.
He emphasized that it is crucial to safeguard the lives of the underprivileged and helpless, who are Indians, regardless of their language, creed, culture, or religion, allowing them to live in peace.
“I urge you to take all necessary actions to ensure that innocent Bengali-speaking individuals, whether from the majority or minority community, and who are legitimate Indian citizens working as labourers in Odisha, are not subjected to harassment, humiliation, torture, or potential loss of their livelihoods. I look forward to your prompt intervention to protect the interests of innocent Bengali-speaking individuals residing in Odisha, who are bona fide citizens of our nation,” Chowdhury appealed.