Kodagu, a tiny district of the southern part of Karnataka with a unique culture and tradition is grappling severe labour shortage. It has seen an influx of migrants from distant states like Assam, Odisha, West Bengal, who have settled here to work as labourers. However, concerns are mounting that many of these migrants who claim to be from Assam may be illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. This has sparked anxiety among the local population, who fear the potential, social and security implications of such migration.
Kodagu is a paradise for murderers, burglars, rapists, theft and no doubt our district has a huge number of crimes. The frequent repeated thefts, burglaries, robberies and theft have made the common man to have sleepless nights and restless days. The thieves have been operating in a organised way. Crime cases are increasingly high in Kodagu district in recent days due to the daily wage workers from outside state who are involved in most of the crime and burglaries. Kodagu’s many coffee plantations employ thousands of migrant labourers who have been an integral part of the district’s coffee economy for over half a century now. Kodagu which accounts high amount of coffee production always had antagonism towards outsiders. Many of the north Indian migrants who have received identity cards from the government and also claim themselves as residents of Kodagu settled in and around Kodagu. They have gradually diversified their activities, transitioning into various other sectors. Many now operate as traders during weekly markets in key towns across Kodagu. Their presence is no longer confined to plantation work. They have expanded into agriculture, trade, construction and even hospitality roles such as room boys in homestays and resorts and chefs, suppliers in local hotels. This shift in their economic activity and increased involvement in criminal activities has raised alarms among the Kodagu residents. What was the count of migrant workers in the registry? How many are there without their proper identity? Can we get an official Police or Administration quote of any illegal migrant has been arrested? Do they accept or deny their allegations? It is high time the estate owners checked the criminal background of workers and verify their actual documents.
Kodandera Mamatha Subbaiah
