The memorandum by Abhijit Majumdar, WB State Secretary of the party, brings to the fore the growing climate of hate and systemic violence faced by migrant workers across various parts of the country. The party expressed deep concern over the plight of Bengali-speaking and other marginalised workers, who continue to face social exclusion and economic exploitation, particularly in BJP-ruled states including Odisha, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana, and Delhi.
Citing recent instances of illegal detention and custodial torture, the memorandum highlights that as many as 444 Bengali-speaking migrant workers were wrongly detained in police stations in Jharsuguda, Paradwip, Bhadrak and elsewhere in Odisha under the false pretext of being Bangladeshi nationals, despite providing valid identity documents.
"This is a gross violation of their constitutional rights under Articles 14, 15, 19, and 21," the memorandum states. It underscores the need for a central legislation titled the “Prohibition of and Protection Against Atrocities on Migrant Workers Act”, aimed at penalising acts of discrimination and violence against migrants.
The CPIML further demanded the formation of special commissions and tribunals at both state and national levels to deal specifically with cases of violence and injustice against migrant workers. The proposal includes provisions for legal aid, healthcare, economic and social rehabilitation, and livelihood security for affected persons.
The party also called for mass awareness programmes to sensitize government officials and communities, pressing for immediate action to uphold the constitutional values of equality and justice.
“We humbly appeal for your urgent attention to this subject,” the letter concludes, appealing to the President to advise the Union Government for prompt enactment of the proposed legislation.
