RANCHI: In a significant development related to demographic changes in Jharkhand, the Central Government submitted its response to the Jharkhand High Court during the hearing of a petition regarding population shifts in Santhal Pargana. The Center’s affidavit revealed a notable decrease in the tribal population of the region, with a drop from 44% to 28%, citing migration and religious conversions as primary factors.
Additionally, the Center highlighted a substantial rise in the Muslim population, particularly in the districts of Pakur and Sahebganj, where the percentage increased from 20% to 40%. The most striking data point was the claim that the Christian population in the region has increased by 6,000 times.
The petition in question, filed by Daniel Danish, raised concerns about the alleged infiltration of Bangladeshi nationals into six districts of Santhal Pargana. The petitioner argued that this infiltration has led to changes in the population composition and an increase in religious institutions like madrasas. It was also alleged that infiltrators were establishing marital ties with local tribals, further affecting the region’s demographic landscape.
Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta, appearing on behalf of the Central Government, acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, emphasizing that the decrease in the tribal population is a grave concern. He assured the court that a comprehensive reply would be filed after consultations with relevant agencies, including the Border Security Force (BSF) and Intelligence Bureau (IB).
The case is set for further hearing on September 17, with the central government expected to provide a detailed report on the issue. The High Court is examining whether Bangladeshi infiltration is contributing to the demographic changes in the Santhal Pargana region and its potential impact on the broader population dynamics in Jharkhand.
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