Published: November 24, 2009

Millions of Foreigners in India

Share This Story

Bangladesh is Poor India's woe. Famine in Bangladesh and its effect in North-East India as incessant immigration continues unabated

India has well-protected international boundaries. The Northern boundary is totally surrounded by the invincible world's big mountain, 'Himalaya'. More than 50% (per cent) of the Western boundary is protected by the Arabian Sea, while another 50% (per cent) Eastern border is covered by the Bay of Bengal Sea and the Southern side is fully besieged by the Indian Ocean. Although, likewise the blue-hills of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and the Patkai range protect about 50% (per cent) of the Eastern boundary. The erstwhile East Pakistan, that is, former East Bengal, called Purba Bangla, known as Purba Banga has turned into present 'Bangladesh' is curved out as a new international border with India in the East-South fringe.

Bangladesh is the fourth largest peasant society in the world, but its landlessness is gradually rising day by day, which is faster rate than its population growth, forcing migration that will spill over into India, specially, Eastern Indian States - Assam, West-Bengal, Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram, including Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Sikkim and Bihar.

Right up to 1989, the Indo-Bangladesh international border was quite open. As per 1991 Census Report of Bangladesh (CRB), her population was 10,79,92,140 and in 1996, the population was 11,99,57,313. There was no exaggeration in the figures, but if anyone takes into confidence the statistics of the 'Electoral Roll' (which is locally called Voter Talika or Voter List) of Bangladesh as published on 7th October, 1995. According to this electoral roll Bangladesh has 5,60,16,178 voters, which is 61,65,567 less than that of 1991 Roll. In 1991, she had 6,21,81,745 voters. Bangladesh is the world's most densely populated country, with a density of 969 per square kilometre.

Bangladeshi figure has soared from 624 (in 1981) to 969 (in 1991) within a single decade. Moreover, the Election Commission of Bangladesh (ECB) has de-franchised 20,00,000 voters on the ground of their long absence in the country and their names were deleted from the electoral roll of 1995. This action is against the 'Constitution of Bangladesh' under Articles 119 and 122 respectively.

On the other hand, as per the news given by Rahaman Jahangir (a news correspondent from Ananda Bazar Patrika in West Bengal, India - published on 28th May, 1996), the ECB, in their pre-election time of 1996 deleted as many as 12,00,000 voters (who were working in foreign countries) from their voter-list, on the grounds that the illegal infiltrators in India may claim to enlist their names in their voter-list, if this is done. This decision was taken by ECB before the Bangladesh Parliamentary Election on 12th June, 1996.

According to a high official in the Bangladesh Commission, they would face political criticism if they enlist those voters in their present voter-list.

So, to avoid criticism and the opposition of political parties, the ECB turned down the proposal of enlisting the names of the Bangladeshis in their voter-list. The Government of Bangladesh also has not admitted the entrance of Bangladeshis into Indian dominion. The Government of India has raised the question of illegal entrance many times. But the Government of India has not yet given any clear explanation regarding infiltration. Therefore, when it is 70,00,000 according to Indian foreign office it is one crore, according to Jyoti Basu, the former Chief Minister of Northeastern Indian State, West Bengal (WB).

On the other hand, on 6th May, 1997, Indian Union Home Minister Indrajit Gupta (Communist Party Member of Parliament - CPI) disclosed to the Indian Parliament that there are upwards of 1 crore illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators, who have made India their quintessential home.

But, when the Budhhadev Bhattacharyay, the present chief minister of Indian WB State Government (led by left Front Party) agreed to the proposal or plan of pushing back illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators, at that time the other leaders of the party started an uproar against it. Because, the party and their leaders think that they will lose the 'support' of the illegal Bangladeshi nationals, who help them to get the 'power' of the state. In this connection, it may be remembered here that the Indian State (WB)'s Left Front Government has been traditionally soft on the illegal entry of Bangladeshis for political reasons.

In fact, the percentage of Hindu population has reduced, while the Muslim population grew in the same period. These are known facts, but some Indian politicians like Mannan Hossaain, Member of Parilament (MP) belongs to CPI (M) party of the constituency, Murshidabad District of Northeast Indian State, WB either says that they are not aware of such illegal migration or prefer 'silence' on this burning issue. It is true that the demographic composition has been changed in the Indian State.

It is irrefutable that a Muslim tidal wave is sweeping through the International Border districts of Northeast Indian States - Assam, WB, Tripura, Meghalaya and also inundating a few districts of Bihar (eastern part), where the growth rate of the Muslims is more than double and triple in some particular areas. It can't be explained as generational escalation.

Former Indian Chief Election Commissioner, Mr. T. N. Sheshan was quoted in The New York Times (12th February, 1995) as saying that 'there are still more than one million migrants on the electoral-rolls of Assam'. A study conducted by the American Academy of Arts & Science, Harvard & Toronto University shows that of the total inhabitants counted in the Eastern Indian State, Assam, one third are Bangladeshi immigrants. According to the research team indicates that 20 millions Bangladeshis are at present in India out of which 20 lakhs came in 1971 alone.

It is strange that in a country, where population growth is too high, more than 6 million voters were found decreasing within the span of 4 years or so. It automatically indicates that these 6 million and the increased number of voters during these four years plus the de-franchised 20 lakhs have infiltrated to India and abroad.

In a review made by the United Nations Organization (UNO), Bangladesh should have had a population of 118 million in 1991, but CRB showed about 108 millions population in that year; where did 10 million Bangladeshis go? Moreover, in 1951, Bangladesh had 22% (per cent) minority population, which by now has become almost half, in fact; it has come down to 10% (per cent) in 1995; what happened to this population? Either they crossed the international border and entered into India or they were annihilated surreptitiously.

Reports received across the border indicates that no trace of about 5 lakhs 'Bihari-Muslim' of Bangladesh was found in 1991. This apart, thousands of Hindu minorities were simply annihilated in the 1992 upsurge.

The infiltration arithmetic can now be summed up : (In Millions)
A.	Infiltration up to 1991-(based on UNO observation)	- 10.00
B.	Bangladeshis are at present in India (Based on American Academy of Arts & Science, Havard & Toronto University)	- 20.00
C.	Less number of voters shown in 1995 Electoral Roll, Bangladesh (Based on Election Commission of Bangladesh)	- 6.00
D.	De-franchised voters in 1995 Electoral Roll, Bangladesh (Based on Election Commission of Bangladesh)	- 2.00
E.	Population growth during the 04 years span (approximately) (Based on Election Commission of Bangladesh)	- 2.00
F.	Bangladeshi people are missing from Bangladesh country- (Report of United Nations Population Fund [UNFPA])	- 1.41
	Grand Total =	41.41

"We have definite information (of the Indian Intelligence Bureau-IIB) that between 7 to 9 million Bangladeshi foreign nationals have been illegally not only migrated but also registered into India", claims well-known author-cum-foreign secretary of India, J. N. Dixit.

"There are as many as 15 to 20 lakhs Bangladeshi illegal infiltrators entered into India during the period of 1971 to 1999. All over India, yearly 3 lakhs illegal Bangladeshi nationals crossed the Indo-Bangla international boundary and reached Indian territory for permanent settlement in the North-Eastern States like Assam, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, West-Bengal and it's adjoining areas", states the Joint Secretary of Indian Home Ministry, Mr. G. K. Pillai, when he visited the Indo-Bangladesh international border on 18th August, 1999 at Southern Assam's Karimganj and Hailakandi districts respectively, while in the year, 2001, Indian Home Ministry estimate prepared says, "Approximately, 150 lakhs to 170 lakhs Bangladeshi infiltrators have crossed into India illegally since 1971".

However, on 14th July, 2004, in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha/Lok Sabha of India, the former Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Sriprakash Jaiswal stated that out of 1,20,53,950 illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators in the entire India. 50,00,000 Bangladeshi nationals are present in the Eastern Indian State of Assam as on December 31st, 2001, while another Northeastern Indian State, West Bengal tops in the list with 57,00,000 Bangladeshi immigrants. Not only that in Eastern Indian States like Arunachal Pradesh has 800 numbers, 30,000 numbers in Meghalaya, 59,500 numbers in Nagaland, 03,25,400 numbers in Tripura, except Manipur and Mizoram respectively. It has estimated by the Indian Home Ministry, on the basis of Intelligence Bureau (IB) report (See Table or Chart).

"More than 04 lakhs illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators are existed into the Guwahati, capital city of Northeastern Indian state of Assam", peg the officials of the International Border Police Force of India (Assam State Division). Where these Bangladeshis live in India? In this context, the Indian Border Security Force (IBSF) has suggested to the Government of India that the Indian State Government of Assam should undertake special census operation in the sensitive areas in this matter.

Therefore, from all these clearly show that the position of indigenous people of North-East India has been gradually decreasing. At present, North-East India is known as the land of the 'Eight-Sisters' (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland and Sikkim). In this case, these Bangladeshis are dispersed in these eight states including the State, West Bengal and Bihar.

At present, in India, the trump card for wining any election in 20 to 25 Parliamentary Constituency (PC)s and in 120 to 125 Assembly Constituency (AC)s of the various component States, such as : Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Maharashtra and even, Delhi lie in the hands of the illegal Muslim Bangladeshi foreigners. If this situation continues for another 10 years, at least, the candidates of 50 PCs and 250 ACs will have to depend of the blessings of these so-called illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators.

Similarly, with the geometric rise of the population of the said community, leaders from that community have become powerful and important in the Eastern Indian state, Assam. Because, out of 27 districts in the State, 07 districts (Barpeta, Goalpara, Dhubri, Morigaon, Nagaon, Karimganj and Hailakandi) are Muslim population majority, where illegal Bangladeshis are lived.

As a result, by 2010 to 2015, out of 126 ACs, about 54 ACs of the State, Assam would be dominated by Bangladeshi Muslim Voters that would one day not only pose a serious threat to socio-cultural identity and stability but also may be in a position to form their Government and they will make their own Chief Minister (CM) of the State, while according to the Indian Home Ministry estimates, as many as 40 to 46 out of 126 Acs in the State, Assam are assessed to be dominated by Illegal Bangladeshi nationals.

On the other hand, due to the unabated illegal Bangladeshi Muslim nationals have growing by leaps and bound of another North East Indian State, West Bengal, which will be the principal factor within next five to ten years. As a result of this, the people of the said state will soon loss their majority and ethnicity. Already, out of 294 ACs of the said state, Bangladeshi Muslim intruders or voters are in a position to decisively influence over 52 ACs, which play a crucial role in 100 others seats also.

Even, the number of Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) seats in the said WB state has increased (like Murshidabad District, who had earlier 19 MLA seats, presently, 22 MLA seats) in the constituency delimitation exercise. Because, the illegal movement of Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators into the Indian State has already created the socio-political dimension.

Therefore, most causing anxiety is that no party or leader in the country (that is, in the states as well as central) can now dream of coming to power without the support of the illegal Bangladeshi Muslim population.

But, no one has raised question how and why this has happened? Still the illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators haunting the Northeast Indian States - Assam, West Bengal, Meghalaya, Tripura and the Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh simultaneously. It has ultimately proved, when on 23rd July, 2008, the honourable Gauhati High Court of the Indian State, Assam declares, "Bangladeshis have become the kingmakers in the Eastern Indian State, Assam". Reacting to the 95-pages judgment (disposing of a bunch of petitions filed by the 61 persons, declared as illegal foreign nationals [read illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators] by various foreigner's tribunals) of the justice B. K. Sharma of Gauhati High Court of Northeast India's State, Assam, the All Assam Student's Union (AASU) says, "The open India-Bangladesh International Border is not only become a 'corridor' for the incessant flood of illegal Bangladeshi nationals from the former East Bengal, known as - East Pakistan, presently Bangladesh to the Eastern Indian States in the early 20th century but also convert into a 'safe passage' for the militants of the fanatic pan-Islamic religious fundamentalism to India.

Though, it was the Liberation War of the nation, Bangladesh, which had ignited a flow of mass migration of the populaces from the East Bengal, that is, East Pakistan (of the pre-independent era), but, the Government of India has totally failed to arrest the situation. Even, the Government of India has failed to make sure that the illegal Bangladeshi nationals have gone back to their newborn nation".

In India, in this context, it is AASU, who has taken the initiative seriously, specially in the year, 1979, during the revision of the Voter's List in the Mongaldoi Loksabha Constituency of the Darrang district of the Northeast Indian State, Assam (which was preparing for a by-election at that time) that the concerned department identified a large scale Bangladeshi nationals having enlisted themselves as electorates in the Electoral Roll.

According to the reports revealed by the several Indian Intelligence Agency (IIA)s are concerned that after the apprehensions of the unscrupulous elements among the several hundreds of illegal Bangladeshi Muslim families, who have disclosed that Bangladesh Defence Rifles (BDR) is actively involved in trying to push the poor Muslim Bangladeshi families into India due to very much poverty in their own country, and this is why, the families have fled from their own country and always tried to infiltrate into India illegally, who have now been created not only disturbances and undermine the communal harmony but also destabilize the situation in India seriously.

These unabated Bangladeshi illegal infiltrators are mostly entered into India during the regime of Begum Khaleda Zia, when she was Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Major General Fazlur Rahman, when he was Director General of Bangladesh Defence Rifles (BDR), BDR, both are instigated in trying to push the Bangladeshi infiltrators into India every now and then, directly and indirectly in different times and in different reasons.

Reacting on the IIAs report, the former Indian Deputy Prime Minster as well as the Home Minister, Lal Krishna Advani justifies, "Whatever our IIAs are claimed are cent per cent true. The Bangladeshi infiltrators illegally enter into Northeast Indian States through the porous India-Bangladesh International Border and deprive indigenous people of their respective lands and livelihoods, which lead to insurgency in the region.

On the other hand, "The anti-ULFA (United Liberation Front of Asam) attitude of the Bangladesh Government had infuriated Mr. Paresh Baruah, the ULFA Chief, who later on as a retaliation of the same said in an interview to British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) from his hideout, that if the Bangladesh Government took an anti-ULFA line, the Assam's insurgent group of North-East India would target the lakhs of people of 'Bangladesh Origin' in Assam", reveals well-known journalist of Dhaka, Bangladesh, Haroon Habib on 28th May, 1997.

It is more so if both these countries have their population from the same or common stock. In case of India and Pakistan, more specifically India and East-Pakistan turned Bangladesh, where partition was made over-night, the land was divided, not the people at the time of partition, as landed properties and relatives of people of both the countries were across the borders. Still lots of Indian have their relatives in Bangladeshi and vice-versa. This factor makes Bangladeshi infiltration to India much more easy and natural. But, if the people consider the volume of infiltration, the people of North-Eastern States constrained to think that behind such huge quantity of infiltration, there must be far deeper reason besides the economic reason.

There is indeed infiltration from other neighbouring countries too. From Nepal and Bhutan in the North and from Mayanmar (that is, Burma) in the east sporadic infiltration are there; but with the exception of Nepal, infiltration from the other two countries are negligible. The infiltration from Nepal, though more compared to Bhutan and Burma, is yet negligible compared to Bangladeshi infiltration.

Besides economic reason, there are other reasons, far deep and sinister, which work behind the infiltration from Bangladesh. Some of these reasons can be termed as political, some as economic, some as religious and some as purely subversive.

According to the Indian Census Report, most of the Bangladeshi illegal immigrants are the people of very poor section of Bangladesh. Therefore, they often enter into India and settle themselves either temporarily or permanently in the Dhubri, Goalpara, Barpeta, Morigaon, Nagaon, Karimganj, Hailakandi, Cachar, Sonitpur, Jorhat districts of Northeastern Indian state Assam and Coochbehar, North-Dinajpur (the then East-Dinajpur), Maldaha, Murshidabad districts of Northeastern Indian state, West Bengal (WB) with a view to earning something to keep themselves alive. In this context, Centre for Research in Indo-Bangladesh Relations (CRIBR) points out that the districts of the said two states have been dominated by the religious minority community.

On the other side, the river-island or sandy-shore (locally called Char) of the red river Brahmaputra and its tributaries, the 'traditional immigrant sanctuaries' are found largely inhabitant by the illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators, who don't even, pay any revenue to the Indian State Government, Assam. Further, due to transience of these char-lands, the thousands of square kilometres of char-region have mentioned as non-cadastral-lands in the revenue record of the Assam Government. But, the interesting fact is that the State Government does not register most of the chars, why nobody knows.

However, according to the estimate or of Indian Assam State Intelligence Bureau Report of 1993-1994, a lot of riverine basins have sprung up between the river Brahmaputra and it's tributaries. These chars are existed from Sadia of Upper Assam's Dibrugarh district to South-Salmara of Lower Assam's Dhubri district of the state, Assam in North-East India, while according to the estimate of Char Area Development Authority, Government of Assam State (India) - CADAGAS(I), there are 1,256 char on the river Brahmaputra (this figure was shown in the year, 1985).

According to the Indian Military Intelligence Report, "Of total number of 2,089 chars, lie under 14 Districts, 23 Sub-divisions and 59 Development Blocks with 02,251 villages in 299 Gaon-Panchaet (that is, village panchaet)s the whole state. Over 24.90 lakhs people (of them 12.72 lakhs male and 12.18 lakhs females, comprising 04.35 lakhs families of which 02.95 lakhs are very needy, that is, live below poverty line) reside in the chars of the river Brahmaputra and it's tributaries and the density of population per square kilometer in char areas is 690 numbers, while 03,068 square kilometers area belongs to char areas in the Eastern Indian State, Assam. Most of the people are of 'Muslim Community' (specially indicate the 'Religious Minority Muslim People, who reside in basically western part of the said State and are basically needy and migrated from Bangladesh time-to-time in search of food, cloth and shelter) and 69% (per cent) to 70% (per cent) are live in below poverty line.

Although, the other report says that the total population of char region is 24.90 lakhs. Of this, 22.90 lakhs is 'Muslim' (that is, 'Religious Minority') and 01.50 lakh to 02.00 lakh is 'Kalita-Nepali', 'Mising-Ahom' and 'Koch-Rajbongshi' (that is, 'Non-Muslim') and others. Apart from this, more than 70% (per cent) to 75% (per cent) of char-village population is 'Immigrant Muslim' and the rest live in the town and other places permanently. Over and above, this vast tract of char-land from Sadia to Dhubri is largely inhabited by Muslim community, which according to the Government report is 80% (per cent) and the rest 20% (per cent) is the people of 'Non-Muslim' community.

Apart from these, the Government report has also disclosed that the people of immigrant Muslim section largely populate the char-lands. There are 90% (per cent) Muslim community in the districts like Dhubri, Goalpara, Barpeta, Kamrup, Nalbari, Darrang, Sonitpur, Nagaon and Morigaon and Sonitpur, (Mangaldoi) Darrang of Eastern Indian State, Assam are the noted riverine char-villages, where various sections of people like 'Nepali', 'Boro', 'Bengali-Hindu', 'Fisherman' (locally known as : Kaibarta) et cetera live together. Even, some noted tribe like 'Missing' community, which 50% (per cent) of total population in riverine char areas from (of ) Dhemaji district to Sonitpur district lives since long of the said state.

As a result of this, without any hindrance and fear the illegal Bangladeshi settlers come to settle themselves in these un-surveyed, unaccounted and un-policed char-lands. To observe and tackle the situation like, migration, smuggling and anti-Indian activities, the Border Security Force of India (BSFI) and International Border River Police Force of India (IBRPFI) have established a few International Border Observing Out Post (IBOOP) in the borderline char areas and for this region, the Bangladeshi migrants don't crossing the border line easily. In fact, it is done by the so-called 'tout', who bring them from Bangladesh and hand over to the char-landlord (locally called Dewani or Matabbar) as against Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 per head, who bear all the responsibilities to protect them in return of their 'vote' to fight and win the election.

According to the opinions passed by the experts and the advisors, the infiltrators are of three types. Firstly : the people belong to the Hindu community came to India for fear of conversion, oppression and communal-riots, Secondly : the people of Bihari-muslim community, who don't have political ideals came only for seeking jobs and Thirdly : the Bengali-Muslim community specially - farmers, vegetable-sellers, fish-sellers, rag-pickers, labourers, zari-workers, rickshaw-pullers (known as Rickshawala), hand-barrow-pullers (locally called Thelawala) and daily-wage-earners et cetera entered into India to enjoy a better life that is, food, cloth and shelter.

Although, nowadays, most of the Muslim Bangladeshis are adopted new kind of 'strategy' or 'policy' to hide themselves far from the eyes of the cops. Instead of jobs, they take professions either in cafeterias, hotels, restaurants, bars and souvenir shops or in small factories and others business establishments that have been situated out of the cities.

Not only that for a long time, Bangladeshi Muslims have tendency of immigrating out of their own country - Bangladesh, which they do both due to poverty and the population boom. But, the problems of the Bangladeshi Hindus are quite different and it should be solved by Bangladesh Government, because, it is their (Bangladesh Government's) moral duty. The Government of India should create pressure upon the Bangladesh Government diplomatically to solve the problem of the 'Hindu migrants', who were rather force to come here and whose property was confiscated as Enemy Properties Act. Even, many of them fear that they could be depriving of their landed property because of converting Bangladesh into an Islamic regime.

On the other hand, the Bihari-Muslims create another problem. It is humane. The 05 lakhs Bihari-Muslims in Bangladesh, who constitute a very crucial problem and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) should come forward to solve this problem and make arrangement for resettlement of them and the problem related to others should have to be tackled separately.

Whatever the reasons behind the huge number of Bangladeshi national's presence in India, observers said that the overall affect of their presence in India and in the Indian North-East region in particular is the shattering of the socio-economic balance in the region? The observers further said that the infiltrators not only occupied char areas in the 'riverine-belt', but also led to grow up unauthorized settlements in Government-lands, agricultural-lands, grazing reserves and forest areas by illegally felling forest products indiscriminately. This indiscriminate felling of trees ultimately resulted in environmental problems and destruction of the 'ecological-balance'.

In the economic sphere too, the Bangladeshis grab, whatever avocation come by them and thereby enhancing the already deplorable un-employment problem in these states. Moreover, by managing to enter their names in the electoral-rolls in their zeal to remain within this country, the Bangladeshis have already turned the tide in their favour, at least in Assam and West Bengal.

As a result, it is fact that, today the situation in Assam is turning from bad to worse. The existence of huge number of illegal migrants and the continued influx of aliens have already instilled a sense of insecurity in the minds of the indigenous people. So, if the Government of India and its' State Governments (specially, Assam and West Bengal) does not stop pretending that there is no foreigner in Eastern India and also at the same time if the detection and deportation of foreigners are not taken up speedily and seriously, the issue of foreign nationals would pose a major threat to the security of States as well as the entire North-East Indian region very soon.

So it is the time that the Government of India should take the matter sincerely and especially rescues the Northeast Indian region from the grasp of this menacing evil.

TABLE-I INDO-BANGLADESH INTERNATIONAL BORDER
		PILLAR NUMBER	AREA (Kms)
A.	West-Bengal (India) & Bangladesh	0001 to 1001	2,217.70
B.	Assam (India) & Bangladesh	1001 to 1067	262.00
C.	Meghalaya (India) & Bangladesh	1067 to 1338	443.00
D.	Tripura (India) & Bangladesh	1338 to 1397 (North) 1397 to 2250 (South)	856.00
E.	Mizoram (India) & Bangladesh	2301 to 2358	318.00
TOTAL	Indo-Bangladesh International Border	0001 to 2358	04,096.70
Source : Border Security Force of India.

TABLE-II ILLEGAL BANGLADESHIs IN INDIA

SERIAL NUMBER	STATE/COUNTRY	DISTRICT/AREA	BANGLADESHIs IN INDIA
01.	ASSAM	DHUBRI, BARPETA, KAMRUP, NAGAON, KARIMGANJ, MORIGAON, BONGAIGAON, KOKRAJHAR & DARRANG	67,00,300
02.	ARUNACHAL PRADESH	PANPUPARE	1,080
03.	MIZORAM		39
04.	BIHAR	BHAGALPUR, SAMASTIPUR, KATIHAR, SAHEBGANJ, KISHANGANJ, ARARIA, PAKUR, PURNIA & GAYA	6,41,396
05.	NAGALAND	KOHIMA, DIMAPUR, TENSANG, MON, MOKOKCHANG, BOKHA, JHUNEBOTO & FEK	79,800
06.	MEGHALAYA	FULBARI, RAJABALA, PIPULBARI, MAHENDRAGANJ, HELEDIGANJ (WEST GARO HILLS DISTRICT)	40,518
07.	TRIPURA	WEST-TRIPURA, NORTH-TRIPURA & SOUTH-TRIPURA	4,44,867
08.	WEST-BENGAL (WB)	COOCHBEHAR, JALPAIGURI, DARJEELING, NORTH-DINAJPUR, SOUTH-DINAJPUR, MURSHIDABAD, MALDAHA, SOUTH-24-PARGANS, NORTH-24-PARGANAS, HOWRAH, NADIA & KOLKATA	76,80,122
09.	ORISSA	KENDRAPARA, BHADRAK, JAGATSINGHAPUR, BALESHWAR, KHARDA, GANJAM, RAIGARH, MAYURBHANJ & SAMBHALPUR	41,670
10.	ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLAND	ANDAMAN	4,050
11.	DELHI	SELAMPUR, SEEMAPURI, JAMUNAPUSTHA, GANDHI NAGAR, SAHID NAGAR, KRISHNA NAGAR, TULSINIKETAN, GEETA COLONY, KHUREJI, SASHI GARDEN, DILSHAD GARDEN, BHAJANPUR (The Interstate Border between Delhi [East] and Uttar Pradesh (UP)	5,02,366
12.	MADHYA PRADESH (MP)	DEBAS, SARGUJA, MONDSAUR, SIBNI, KORBA	950
13.	MAHARASHTRA	THANE, MUMBAI, PUNE, GARCHIROLI, GONDIA	28,089
14.	PUNJAB	MALERKOTLA, PATIALA, MOHALI, CHANDIGARH	345
15.	HARYANA	PANIPATH, FATEHABAD, GURGAON, ROHTAK, FARIDABAD	800
16.	GUJARAT	JAMNAGAR, KACHH, BANASKANTHA, PORBANDAR	150
17.	RAJASTHAN	NAGAUR, BARMER, JAISILMAR, AJMER, BIKANIAR, JOYPUR, ALWAR, BARAT, RAJSAMUND	447,150
18.	KARNATAKA		15
19.	HIMACHAL PRADESH (HP)		25
20.	JAMMU & KASHMIR (J & K)		480
21.	UTTAR PRADESH /UTTAR ANCHAL	ALLAHABAD, MIRJAPUR, DEBARIA, JONEPUR, FAIZABAD, GAZIPUR, AJAMGARH, GORAKHPUR, CHANDOULI, MEERUT, BARANASHI, GAZIABAD, KANPUR, HAMIRPUR, LUCKHNOW, MAHARAJGANJ, SAHARANPUR, BIJNAUR, BAREILI, BAHARAICH, MURADABAD, J. B. NAGAR, RAIBAREILI, HAIDWAR, DEHRADUN, SANT RABIDAS NAGAR	34,874
Total	INDIA		16,649,086
Source : Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India
(Note : According to the Home Ministry, Government of India, Report - December 31, 1995 & December 31, 2001, the Bangladeshi are living in India now.)

TABLE-III (A)
POPULATION PATTERN IN NORTHEAST INDIA

Serial Number	State/Country	Year 1901	Year 1911	Year 1921	Year 1931	Year 1941	Year 1951
01.	Sikkim	59,014	---	81,721	01,09,808	01,21,520	01,37,725
02.	Arunachal Pradesh	---	---	---	---	---	---
03.	Assam	32,89,680	---	46,36,980	55,60,371	66,94,790	80,28,856
04.	Tripura	01,73,325	---	03,04,437	03,82,450	05,13,010	06,39,029
05.	Meghalaya	03,40,524	---	04,22,403	04,80,837	05,55,820	06,05,674
06.	Mizoram	82,434	---	98,406	01,24,404	01,52,786	01,96,202
07.	Manipur	02,84,465	---	03,84,016	04,45,606	05,12,069	05,77,635
08.	Nagaland	01,01,550	---	01,58,801	01,78,844	01,89,641	02,12,975
09.	West Bengal	01,69,40,088	---	01,74,74,348	01,88,97,036	02,32,29,552	02,62,99,980
Total	NORTH-EAST INDIA	02,12,71,080	---	02,35,61,112	02,61,79,356	03,19,69,188	03,66,98,076

Source : Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation, Government of India.

TABLE-III (B)
POPULATION PATTERN IN NORTHEAST INDIA

Serial Number	State/Country	Year 1961	Year 1971	Year 1981	Year 1991	Year 2001
01.	Sikkim	01,62,189	02,09,843	03,16,385	04,06,457	05,40,851
02.	Arunachal Pradesh	03,36,558	04,67,511	06,31,839	08,64,558	10,97,968
03.	Assam	01,08,37,329	01,46,25,152	01,80,41,248	02,24,14,322	02,66,55,528
04.	Tripura	11,42,005	15,56,342	20,53,058	27,57,205	31,99,203
05.	Meghalaya	07,69,380	10,11,699	13,35,819	17,74,778	23,18,822
06.	Mizoram	02,66,063	03,32,390	04,93,757	06,89,756	08,88,573
07.	Manipur	07,80,037	10,72,753	14,20,953	18,37,149	23,88,634
08.	Nagaland	03,69,200	05,16,449	07,74,930	12,09,546	19,88,636
09.	West Bengal	03,49,26,279	04,43,12,011	05,45,80,647	06,80,77,965	08,01,76,197
Total	NORTH-EAST INDIA	04,95,89,040	06,41,04,150	07,96,48,636	10,00,31,736	11,92,54,412

Source : Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation, Government of India.

TABLE-IV-A
AT A GLANCE
POPULATION PATTERN IN BANGLADESH

YEAR-1961

DIVISION	MUSLIM	HINDU	BUDDHIST	CHRISTIAN	OTHERS	TOTAL
BARISHAL	34,96,528	07,40583	12,278	12,378	---	42,61,727
CHATTAGRAM	01,08,48,603	23,92,757	03,58,469	20,477	09,344	01,36,29,650
DHAKA	01,26,69,746	25,29,751	01,030	77,649	15,420	01,52,93,596
KHULNA	41,20,771	16,67,437	345	15,258	01,322	58,05,133
RAJSAHI	97,54,833	20,49,141	01,745	23,141	21,229	01,18,50,089
BANGLADESH	04,08,90,481	93,79,669	03,73,867	01,48,903	47,315	05,08,40,235

YEAR-1974

DIVISION	MUSLIM	HINDU	BUDDHIST	CHRISTIAN	OTHERS	TOTAL
BARISHAL	45,85,977	08,28,778	04,38,917	05,326	02,580	54,27,132
CHATTAGRAM	01,58,94,223	22,62,207	04,471	28,898	23,532	01,86,35,902
DHAKA	01,86,66,035	25,17,135	04,27,042	01,13,568	15,665	02,13,15,630
KHULNA	69,20,825	18,23,189	03,227	17,639	05,621	87,67,816
RAJSAHI	01,49,71,870	22,41,738	542	50,488	63,537	01,73,31,268
BANGLADESH	06,10,38,929	96,73,048	04,38,917	02,15,919	01,10,935	07,14,77,748

YEAR-1981

DIVISION	MUSLIM	HINDU	BUDDHIST	CHRISTIAN	OTHERS	TOTAL
BARISHAL	56,08,657	08,78,503	04,158	15,824	02,439	65,09,581
CHATTAGRAM	01,93,52,848	26,31,041	05,24,610	40,699	46,390	02,25,95,588
DHAKA	02,35,23,894	25,54,426	04,743	01,20,923	27,756	02,62,31,742
KHULNA	85,20,107	20,67,516	01,204	46,346	08,350	01,06,43,523
RAJSAHI	01,84,81,474	24,38,759	03,616	50,689	01,64,993	02,11,39,531
BANGLADESH	07,54,86,980	01,05,70,245	05,38,331	02,74,481	02,49,928	08,71,19,965

YEAR-1991

DIVISION	MUSLIM	HINDU	BUDDHIST	CHRISTIAN	OTHERS	TOTAL
BARISHAL	65,74,525	08,66,039	04,657	14,996	02,426	74,62,643
CHATTAGRAM	02,37,36,002	28,77,745	05,74,528	55,350	44,322	02,72,87,947
DHAKA	02,97,86,106	26,56,708	20,430	01,54,514	48,217	03,26,65,975
KHULNA	01,06,08,358	20,29,857	02,492	38,262	09,414	01,26,88,383
RAJSAHI	02,31,76,038	27,48,517	21,303	82,940	01,81,246	02,62,10,044
BANGLADESH	09,38,81,029	01,11,78,866	06,23,410	03,46,062	02,85,625	10,63,14,992

(Note :Distribution of Bangladesh population by religious communities)
(Source :Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, Government of Bangladesh)

TABLE-IV-B
VOTERS IN BANGLADESH

SERIAL NUMBER	YEAR	TOTAL VOTER (In Numbers)	MALE (In Numbers)	FEMALE (In Numbers)	DISTRICT/COUNTRY	DATE OF END OF TERM
01.	1970	02,94,79,386	---	---	19	---
02.	1970	03,52,05,642	---	---	19	15.12.1972
03.	1973	03,87,89,239	02,00,34,717	01,87,54,522	19	06.11.1975
04.	1979	04,78,76,979	02,49,35,993	02,23,89,893	20	24.03.1982
05.	1986	04,98,63,829	02,63,79,944	02,34,83,885	64	06.12.1987
06.	1988	06,20,81,793	03,30,40,757	02,90,41,036	64	06.12.1990
07.	1991	05,61,49,182	---	---	64	24.11.1995
08.	1996	05,67,02,422	02,87,59,994	02,79,56,941	64	30.03.1996
09.	1996	07,49,46,368	03,85,30,414	03,62,93,441	64	13.07.2001
10.	2001
11.	2008
Total

Note : Impose of Martial Law in the years - 1975, 1982 and 2006 .
(Source :Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, Government of Bangladesh)

TABLE-V
POPULATION OF BANGLADESH

SERIAL NUMBER	YEAR	POPULATION (In Million)
01.	1941	04,19,97,000
02.	1951	04,19,00,000
03.	1961
04.	1971	70,67,90,000
05.	1981	09,00,00,000
06.	1991	10,79,92,140/11,14,00,000
07.	2001
08.	2011

[Note -Population (including Voter) of Bangladesh in the others years : Year - 1972 - 72,53,50,000 million, in 1973 - 74,44,10,000 million, in 1974 - 76,39,80,000 million, in 1975 - 78,40,50,000 million, in 1985 - 10,04,680, in 1986 - 09,92,100, in 1987 - 10,10,500/10,41,00,000, in 1988 - 10,45,300, in 1989 - 10,48,400, in 1990 - 10,98,200, in 1992 - 11,28,32,000/11,44,00,000 million, in 1993 - 11,67,020, in 1994 - 11,77,870, in 1995 - 12,11,100 (Voter-06,21,81,745), in 1996 - 12,30,63,000/11,99,57,313 (Voter - 05,61,63,296), in 1997 - 12,36,330, in 1998 - 12,56,290, in 1999 - 12,76,690 and in 2000 - 12,91,942.]

(Source :Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, Government of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Election Commission, Government of Bangladesh & Other Government & Non Government Organisations, agencies of Bangladesh).

References :
1. Front Page - Bharat Bangladesh Simantat Bangladeshir Dwara Kalimurtir Sirashhed - by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Purbachal (G. L. P. Publication), dated 10th November, 1992.
2. Sthayee Basindar Praman-Patra Anuprabeshkarik Bhara diya Haichhe - by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Purbachal (G. L. P. Publication), dated 01st December, 1992. Front Page - Bharat Birodhi Maulobadi Netar Mrityu Dibaxat Asamar Mantri - by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Purbachal (G. L. P. Publication), dated 09th February, 1993.
3. Anuprabesh Aru Axomar Sankat by Shib Shankar Chatterjee - Rongpur, Ajir Batori Group, dated 26th August, 1995,
4. Axom Chukti, Anuprabesh Aru Axomar Bhabishyat by Shib Shankar Chatterjee - Rongpur, Ajir Batori Group, dated 16th August, 1995,
5. Markin Gabeshakar Dristit Axomar Anuprabesh Part-I by Shib Shankar Chatterjee - Rongpur, Ajir Batori Group, dated 17th August, 1994,

6. Markin Gabeshakar Dristit Axomar Anuprabesh Part-II by Shib Shankar Chatterjee - Rongpur, Ajir Batori Group, dated 24th August, 1994,
7. Axom Chukti, Anuprabesh Aru Axomar Bhabishyat, Markin Gabeshakar Dristit Axomar Anuprabesh, Udang Simanta by Shib Shankar Chatterjee - Dainik Asam, The Assam Tribune Group, dated 15th August, 1999,
8. Bharatiya Lokor Dalali Monobhabe Anuprabesh Aru Chorang Beboshayar Mul Karan : BSF by Shib Shankar Chatterjee - Dainik Asam, The Assam Tribune Group, dated 06th August, 1994,
9. Religious Conflicts - Indescribable Torture By Bangladeshi Political Party & Oppressed Hindu People Fled From Bangladesh To India In Fear Of Death : Incessant Flow of Refugees by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Eastern Panorama, dated July, 2005, (Page Number 15 to 20).
10. Opinion - A threat To Assam by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Northeast Sun, dated March 31, 2005, (Page Number 16).
11. Bangle Border - Crime Picks Steam by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Northeast Sun, dated June 15, 2005, (Page Number 21).
12. Anchalik - Bharatiya Bhukhandat Bangladeshir Dapdapani : Charkar Nirbikar : Ashahai 'Ashanglagna Anchala'r Bharatiya Janasadharan by Shib Shankar Chatterjee - Dainik Asam, The Assam Tribune Group, dated 23rd April, 2001,
13. Special Article - Bangladesh's Poor India's Woe by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Northeast Sun, dated 01st-14th July, 2000, (Page Number 16 to 17).
14. Investigation - A Neighbouring Headache by Shib Shankar Chatterjee (And Polu Chatterjee), Cam News Network Today, dated July, 2005, (Page Number 44 to 50).
15. Infiltration Problem In North East by Shib Shankar Chatterjee - The Assam Tribune (Editorial Page), dated 22nd August, 2002,
16. Infiltration : A Grave Threat To Assam by Shib Shankar Chatterjee - The Assam Tribune (Editorial Page), dated 01st August, 1998,
17. Voters' List - Stamp 'D' For Dispute : Reports On The New Voters' List In Assam And The Controversy It Has Sparked by Shib Shankar Chatterjee - The Telegraph (Northeast Page), dated 29th December, 1997,
18. All Not Quiet On The Eastern Front : The Indo-Bangladesh Border Is a Heaven For Anti socials Besides Spawning Infiltration by Shib Shankar Chatterjee - The Telegraph (Northeast Page), dated 18th August, 1997,
19. Cash Ensures Easy Passage To India by Shib Shankar Chatterjee - The Telegraph (Northeast Page), dated 10th November, 1997,
20. Focus - Bangladeshi Infiltrators by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Northeast Sun, dated 15th-31st January, 1998, (Page Number 18).
21. Assam Bursting At The Seams by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Hindustan Times (Northeast Live Page), dated 14th July, 2001.
22. No-man's land, No One's Responsibility by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Hindustan Times (Northeast Live Page), dated 01st July, 2001.
23. Reports - 'Child Jockeys' Rescued From Touts' Den by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Times Of India, dated 13th March, 2001.
24. Sailing Into The Smuggler's Den by Shib Shankar Chatterjee - The Telegraph (Northeast Page), dated 24th November, 1997,
25. Corridor Of Connivance by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North Bengal Plus Page) dated 25th June, 1999.
26. Nation - Prisoners Moved Out Of Flooded Assam jail by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, New delhi Tele Vision (NDTV) & NDTV.Com, dated 17th July, 2004.
27. Nation - Rush Of 'Ghost' Voters In Assam polls by Sumon K Chakrabarti with Shib Shankar Chatterjee, CNN-IBN & IBN Live.Com, dated 09th April, 2006.
28. Focus - Illegal Border Trade by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Northeast Sun, dated 01st-14th April, 1998, (Page Number 16).
29. News - Reaping From Trade Ties With Bangladesh by Shib Shankar Chatterjee - The Telegraph (Northeast Page), dated 19th January, 1997,
30. Economy - Border Trade : Pipe Dream Or Reality? by Shib Shankar Chatterjee - The North East Frontier Magazine, dated June, 1999, (Page Number 36 to 37).
31. Cover Story - Election In International Border : Bangladeshis Give Vote In India by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Eastern Panorama, dated April, 2006, (Page Number 07 to 08).
32. Forecasting A Disaster by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North Bengal Plus Page) dated 06th November, 1998.
33. Environment - Stripping The Hills : The Sale of Rocks Found In Chandardinga and Rakshasini Hills In Assam May Cause Loss Rather Than Swelling The Government's Treasury by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Rashtriya Sahara, dated June, 1996, (Page Number 131 to 133).
34. In Search Of Lost Links by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North Bengal Plus Page) dated 01st September, 2000,
35. Back On The Rails by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Northeast Sun, dated July 15-31, 2001, (Page Number 18),
36. Bharat-Bangladexar Majat Rail Jugajog by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Prantik, Guwahati, Assam, India dated 01st September, 2001, (Page Number 15 to 17),
37. Paschimbanglar Tinbigha Aru Ashomar tinbigha Vogdanga-Kuti Gaon Bharatar Ne Bangladeshar? by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Prantik, Guwahati, Assam, India dated 01st November, 1996, (Page Number 12 to 13),
38. Markin Gabeshakar Drishtit Axomar Anuprabesh : Udong Simanta - Axom Chukti, Anuprabesh Aru Axomar Bhabishyat by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Prantik, Guwahati, Assam, India dated 01st January, 2000, (Page Number 14 to 18),
39. Axom Bangladesh Simanta Anchalor Sampratik Abastha by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Prantik, Guwahati, Assam, India dated 16th April, 1996, (Page Number 20 to 23),
40. Bharat Bangladesh Simantar Bitarkito Gaon Boraibari by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Prantik, Guwahati, Assam, India dated 16th May, 2001, (Page Number 13 to 14),
41. Who Possesses Bhogdanga - India or Bangladesh? by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Sentinel, Omega Printers & Publishers Private Limited, Guwahati, Assam State, India dated 18th November, 1995, (Front Page of Saturday Fare),
42. Neighbour - Forsaken Citizens Of Border Village - Who Possesses Bhogdanga - India or Bangladesh by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Panorama, Shillong, Meghalaya State, India dated July, 1996,
43. Real-Life Turn To Veer Zara On The Border by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North East Page) dated 08th January, 2007,
44. The possession Of Bhogdanga by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North East Page) dated 11th December, 2004,
45. Northeast - Dhubri Villagers Fenced Out by Shib Shankar Chatterjee - The Telegraph, dated 15th July, 1997,
46. OPEN FORUM - Tragedy Of The Chitmahals by Shib Shankar Chatterjee (The research for this article was conducted under a fellowship of the National Media Exchange Programme of the National Foundation for India) - The Statesman (North East Page) dated 20th September, 2003.
47. Worst Floods In 50 Years by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North East Page) dated 19th July, 2003.
48. Kalapani Mourns But Carries On by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North East Page) dated 03rd May, 2003.
49. Aids Travels By Lorry by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North Bengal Plus Page) dated 18th August, 2000.
50. Reports - ...Before Its Too Late : Ominous Clouds Of Insurgency Hover Over North Bengal by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North Bengal Plus Page) dated 23rd July, 1999.
51. Facing A Bleak Future by Shib Shankar Chatterjee - The Telegraph (Northeast Page), dated 24th November, 1997.
52. Horizon - Axe-odus by Shib Shankar Chatterjee - The Assam Tribune (Saturday Page), dated 02nd October, 1999.
53. Missing The Trees by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North Bengal Plus Page) dated 20th December, 2002.
54. Analysis - What Waterways Can Do by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, The Statesman (North East Page) dated 30th November, 2002.
55. Bangladeshat Nam Kata Gol Bangladeshi Kuri Lakhar by Shib Shankar Chatterjee - Dainik Asam, The Assam Tribune Group, dated 19th October, 1995,
56. Bangladeshar Voter Talikat Ghati : Dhubrir Simantayedi Anuprobesh Abyahata by Shib Shankar Chatterjee - Dainik Asam, The Assam Tribune Group, dated 10th August, 2000,
57. Nimna Ashame Jal Passporter Ramrama Byabsha Jakiye Boshechhe by Shib Shankar Chatterjee - Dainik Basumati, Basumati Corporation Limited, Calcutta, West Bengal State, India dated 01st February, 1994,
58. Varat Bangladesh Simante - Bharatiyader Parichaypatra Vara Khatchhe Anuprobeshkarider Kachhe by Shib Shankar Chatterjee - Dainik Basumati, Basumati Corporation Limited, Calcutta, West Bengal State, India dated 23rd January, 1993,
59. Ashome Voter Talika Niye Avijog - Paisha Dilei Milchhe Pramanpatra by Shib Shankar Chatterjee - Dainik Basumati, Basumati Corporation Limited, Calcutta, West Bengal State, India dated 20th December, 1993,
60. Ashomer 'Vote Banke' Fatal Dharay Congress Shankito by Shib Shankar Chatterjee - Dainik Basumati, Basumati Corporation Limited, Calcutta, West Bengal State, India dated 07th December, 1993,
61. Dhubrir Janashankhya Bridhhi : Sadharan Manush Chintito - Ashome Anuprabesh Niye Rajnitir Khela Cholchhe by Shib Shankar Chatterjee - Dainik Basumati, Basumati Corporation Limited, Calcutta, West Bengal State, India dated 10th March, 1993,
62. Sonkhalaghu Sampradayer Manush Shankito : Andolaner Humki - Voter Talika Songshadhaner Proshne Ashom Fer Shargaram by Shib Shankar Chatterjee - Dainik Basumati, Basumati Corporation Limited, Calcutta, West Bengal State, India dated 01st July, 1993,
63. Ashom Sharkar Bideshi Prashne Bishringkhala Bardasto Korbe Na : Saikia by Shib Shankar Chatterjee - Dainik Basumati, Basumati Corporation Limited, Calcutta, West Bengal State, India dated 16th November, 1993,
64. Bharat Bangladesh Simante Kantarer Bera Nirmane Artho Apachoyer Avijog by Shib Shankar Chatterjee - Dainik Basumati, Basumati Corporation Limited, Calcutta, West Bengal State, India dated 27th October, 1992,
65. Victims Of A Movement by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Northeast Sun, dated October 01-14, 2001, (Page Number 17).
66. Focus - Illegal Border Trade by Shib Shankar Chatterjee, Northeast Sun, dated April 01-14, 1998, (Page Number 16).
67. Livelihoods On Line At Indian Border - BBC News - Subir Bhaumik, dated 28th June, 2005.
68. Human Cost Of Dhaka-Delhi Row - BBC News - Subir Bhaumik, 05th February, 2003.
69. India Bangladesh Border Clash At Pyrdiwah - Anirban Roy - Hindustan Times, 17th April, 2001.

Shib Shankar Chatterjee is former BBC, The Statesman, The Times of India & Hindustan Times Contributor of Northeast India. specializing in Northeast Affairs.