Demographic Changes in Jharkhand's Santhal Pargana Region
Central Government's Claims
The Union government alleges that infiltration has occurred in the Santhal Pargana region through Sahibganj and Pakur districts.
The Union government states that the Jharkhand government's support to check infiltration has been insufficient.
The Centre cites Census data showing a decline in the ST population's share and increases in other religious populations in the region.
A BJP worker's PIL alleges that illegal infiltrators from Bangladesh are settling in the region, marrying into ST families, and acquiring land and influence.
The PIL claims that the ST population is declining due to these infiltrations.
The Centre acknowledges that factors like outward migration, low birth rates, and conversion to Christianity may also contribute to the decline in the ST population.
The Centre mentions instances of land transfer from tribals to non-tribals through loopholes in existing laws.
The Centre states that there is no concrete evidence linking Bangladesh immigrants to land-related cases.
The Jharkhand High Court is considering forming a fact-finding committee to study the demographic changes.
The BJP continues to link demographic changes to infiltration from Bangladesh.
The JMM (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha) criticizes the Centre's claims and demands the resignation of the Home Minister.
The Centre cites Census data to support its claims about demographic changes.
The Centre notes changes in the religious composition of the region, including an increase in the Christian and Muslim populations.
The Centre's calculations of population share changes are questioned due to different methods used.
The Centre's affidavit does not account for the fact that STs across Jharkhand profess multiple religions and that there have been changes in their religious preferences.
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