'Mini Bengal' in Pilibhit turns to CAA and Modi for citizenship hopes

People sitting outside a shop

In the rural expanse of Pilibhit, where the tranquility of village life intermingles with the echoes of a tumultuous past, a vibrant community which has created its own 'mini Bengal' stands as a testament to resilience and cultural vibrancy.

Amidst the verdant landscapes and rustic charm of Ramnagri village, a profound question cuts through the air: "Aapni ki Bangali (Are you Bengali)?"

This question, uttered with a mix of curiosity and camaraderie, encapsulates the identity struggle of the majority of residents - migrants from Bangladesh who sought refuge in India during the tumultuous 1970s. Fleeing religious persecution and strife, these migrants, numbering around 1 lakh, found sanctuary in a cluster of villages in Pilibhit, transforming them into pockets of Bengali culture amidst the northern plains of India.

Subal Das, 82, a patriarch of the community, reflects on their journey, stating, "We have left our land... but not our culture. Our culture is our strength, no matter where we are."

His sentiment reverberates through the alleys of Ramnagri, where Bengali traditions intertwine with the rhythms of rural life.

Sripal Biswas, a custodian of community history, recounts the trials and tribulations of their parents' migration, a harrowing tale of crossing rivers and traversing dense forests in search of safety and sanctuary. "Our parents kept entering India illegally. While the early arrivals were granted citizenship, the latecomers were not. Many of them, even today, fear detention or deportation," Biswas laments, highlighting the precariousness of their status.

Amidst this backdrop of uncertainty, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) emerges as a beacon of hope for these illegal migrants. Deepanker Mistri, 24, a tech-savvy entrepreneur running a cyber cafe in Ramnagri, explains the significance of the CAA, stating, "The CAA has come as a breath of fresh air for us. It provides a pathway to citizenship for many who have lived in limbo for decades."

With the CAA taking center stage in the political discourse of Pilibhit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership garners unwavering support from these people. Manoranjan Das, a vocal proponent of Modi, asserts, "We will vote for Modi, whoever the candidate is. His leadership gives us hope for a brighter future."

Political figures have courted this region during election seasons, promising support and recognition. Former President Pranab Mukherjee's visit in 2012 and BJP Bengal leader Shantanu Thakur's recent assurances have raised expectations among the residents.

"Beyond words, nothing has been done to change our lives," laments a resident, highlighting the stark reality faced by the community.

Manoj Bishai, echoing the sentiments of many, expresses skepticism towards political rhetoric. "We voted for the Congress after Indira Gandhi helped us, but her successors and local Congress leaders have not been helpful at all," he remarks, underscoring the community's disillusionment with the political establishment.

Despite the strides made in obtaining voting rights for some through naturalization, the specter of discrimination looms large. Narayan Mahato, 78, highlights the challenges faced by his children, who were born and raised in India yet denied voting rights due to their migrant status. "PM Modi has given us the CAA weapon, which will certainly end our woes and help our children lead a better life," he states, hopeful for a future where their rights are recognized and respected.

As these migrants in Pilibhit navigates the labyrinth of bureaucracy and political uncertainty, their faith in the CAA and Modi's leadership remains unwavering. In the verdant fields and bustling markets of Ramnagri and beyond, their aspirations for recognition and citizenship stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of resilience and hope.