Hindu Rights Watch

Delhi Protest: HRW Demands Action Against Illegal Immigration and Associated Criminal Networks
2026-01-22 - 2026-11-30 | New Delhi
Hindu Relief Services

Delhi Protest: HRW Demands Action Against Illegal Immigration and Associated Criminal Networks Event Report | New Delhi Hindu Rights Watch (HRW) organized a significant public demonstration in the national capital, demanding immediate government action against illegal Rohingya and Bangladeshi immigrants residing in unauthorized settlements across Delhi. The protest highlighted concerns about criminal activities, welfare scheme misuse, and security threats allegedly linked to these settlements. Mass Mobilization for National Security The protest saw participation from hundreds of concerned citizens, activists, and community leaders from across Delhi and neighboring regions. Demonstrators gathered with placards, raising slogans demanding strict enforcement of immigration laws and dismantling of illegal settlements that have mushroomed across the capital. HRW has been consistently raising this issue for several years, positioning illegal immigration as a matter of national security, resource allocation, and law enforcement. The organization’s campaign focuses on documenting alleged criminal activities operating from unauthorized colonies and demanding accountability in welfare scheme distribution. “We’re not against helping genuine refugees through proper channels, but Delhi has become a safe haven for illegal networks operating with impunity,” stated Rajesh Sharma, a shopkeeper from Uttam Nagar who participated in the protest. “Our neighborhoods are becoming unsafe because authorities turn a blind eye.” Key Concerns Highlighted Criminal Activity Nexus: Protesters emphasized links between illegal settlements and organized crime. The demonstration featured testimonies and documented cases alleging involvement of settlement residents in stolen vehicle rackets, mobile phone and laptop theft rings, and narcotics distribution networks. “I run a mobile repair shop in Laxmi Nagar, and we see stolen phones being sold openly in these areas,” explained Amit Kumar, a small business owner. “Police know about it, but these settlements have become no-go zones where criminals feel protected.” Human Trafficking and Exploitation: A major focus of the protest involved allegations of sex trafficking operations based in unauthorized colonies. Speakers presented cases of missing women and girls, with claimed connections to trafficking networks operating from these settlements. Priya Verma, a social worker from Dwarka, shared disturbing observations: “We’ve encountered victims who were trafficked through these slums. Young girls brought from Bangladesh, trapped in prostitution rings. The illegal status of these areas makes rescue operations nearly impossible.” Safety Concerns for Residents: Participants from areas neighboring unauthorized settlements expressed fears about personal safety, particularly for women and children. Multiple speakers cited incidents of assault, robbery, and intimidation attributed to criminal elements sheltering in these colonies. “My daughter is afraid to return home after evening coaching classes because she has to pass near one such settlement in Rohini,” said Meena Devi, a homemaker from the area. “We pay taxes, follow laws, but our safety is compromised by people who shouldn’t even be here.” Welfare Scheme Misuse Allegations A significant portion of the protest addressed claims that illegal immigrants access government welfare programs meant for Indian citizens. Demonstrators alleged fraudulent procurement of critical documents including: Voter ID cards enabling electoral participationRation cards for subsidized food suppliesAyushman Bharat health insurance cardsEducational enrollment for childrenHousing scheme benefitsPassport procurement through forged documents“Genuine poor Indians wait years for housing schemes while illegal immigrants occupy land and get regularized,” argued Suresh Yadav, a private sector employee from Vasant Kunj. “Where is justice when citizenship means nothing?” Protesters presented examples of document fraud, including allegedly forged Aadhaar cards and birth certificates used to establish false Indian identity claims. The demonstration called for stringent verification processes and immediate audits of welfare scheme beneficiaries in identified settlements. Arms and Drug Trafficking Allegations Speakers highlighted concerns about illegal arms trade and drug distribution allegedly operating from these colonies. References were made to police raids that have recovered weapons and narcotics from unauthorized settlements, though protesters argued enforcement remains inadequate. “These areas have become arms bazaars where criminals source weapons for gang activities across Delhi-NCR,” claimed Vikram Singh, a retired government employee from Mayur Vihar. “Until we dismantle these settlements completely, we’re fighting symptoms while ignoring the disease.” Demands and Action Points The protest concluded with HRW presenting a memorandum of demands to government authorities: Immediate verification of all residents in unauthorized settlements for citizenship statusComprehensive audit of welfare scheme beneficiaries with stringent document verificationEnhanced security operations targeting criminal networks in identified areasDeportation procedures for confirmed illegal immigrants following due processPrevention of fresh encroachments through regular monitoringInter-agency coordination between immigration authorities, police, and municipal bodiesLong-term Advocacy Campaign HRW emphasized this protest as part of sustained advocacy spanning several years. The organization has been documenting cases, filing RTI applications for settlement data, and engaging with law enforcement to highlight these concerns. “This isn’t a one-day event; it’s a movement for national security and citizen rights,” declared HRW spokesperson during the demonstration. “We’ll continue raising our voice until authorities take concrete action.” The protest received significant attention, with participants vowing to organize similar demonstrations in other cities and maintain pressure on government institutions for policy enforcement. “We love our country and want it safe for our children,” concluded Ramesh Gupta, a taxi driver from Shahdara. “Illegal immigration without consequences sends the message that laws don’t matter. We’re here to say they do matter, and we demand enforcement.” Path Forward As the demonstration dispersed, organizers announced plans for ongoing advocacy including: Regular monitoring of identified settlementsDocumentation support for affected residentsLegal advocacy for stricter enforcementCollaboration with security agenciesPublic awareness campaigns on immigration lawsThe Delhi protest marks HRW’s continued commitment to what it frames as protecting national interests, citizen welfare, and law enforcement integrity against challenges posed by unauthorized immigration. HRW continues advocating for immigration law enforcement and security measures to address concerns raised by affected communities nationwide.
