PM Modi flags demographic threat from infiltration, announces high-powered mission

New Delhi: In a strongly worded Independence Day address today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised concerns over what he described as a “premeditated conspiracy” to alter the country’s demographic profile through illegal infiltration, threatening livelihood of Indian citizens.

The Prime Minister’s remarks from the rampart of Red Fort come at a time of heightened political debate between the ruling BJP and the Opposition, particularly on issues of ongoing special intensified revisions of electoral rolls in Bihar which is being heard in the Supreme Court.

Modi warned that the activities of infiltrators pose serious challenges to national unity and security.

“I wish to warn the country about a concern that is emerging as a crisis. As part of a premeditated conspiracy, the country's demography is being changed. Seeds of a new crisis are being sown,” he said.

The Prime Minister alleged that infiltrators were depriving Indian citizens of economic and social rights. “These ‘ghuspaithiyas’ (infiltrators) are snatching the bread and butter of our youth.

These ‘ghuspaithiyas’ are targeting our country's daughters and sisters. This will not be tolerated. These ‘ghuspaithiyas’ are fooling innocent tribals and capturing their forest land. This country will not tolerate this,” he said.

Modi announced the launch of a high-powered demography mission to address what he termed a “serious crisis” linked to illegal migration. “From the ramparts of the Red Fort, I want to say that we have decided to start a high-powered demographic mission. This mission will tackle this serious crisis and will take care of the crisis looming large over our country in a set time frame. We are moving forward towards it,” he said.

This high-powered demography mission will address this national security challenge, ensuring the unity, integrity, and rights of India’s citizens are safeguarded, he reiterated.

Highlighting the wider implications of demographic shifts, the Prime Minister said such changes could impact national integrity. “It also creates a crisis for our unity, integrity and progress. It sows the seeds of social tension. No nation in the world can hand over itself to ghuspaithiyas, then how can we hand over Bharat to them?” he asked.

Referring to the legacy of India’s freedom fighters, Modi added: “Our forefathers got freedom by making the supreme sacrifice. They gave us an independent India and it is our duty that we do not accept such activities. This will be our true tribute to them.”

The ruling BJP has been slamming opposition parties for objecting to the special intensive revision of the electoral rolls in Bihar, asserting that infiltrators have "no right to vote," while the Congress has alleged that in the name of delection, rightful voters are also being removed from the list.