The marginal nation

"Throughout South Asia, questions of 'illegal immigration' combined with those of 'national security' have acquired politically explosive dimensions in recent years. Dealing with transborder migrations from Bangladesh to West Bengal, The Marginal Nation analyzes these issues within a richer perspective which accommodates the historical, cultural and geographic dimensions along with the economic and demographic." "Based on hitherto unused data, reports and travels along the borders and to the migrants' hamlets, this book forcefully challenges the approach which privileges the 'nation' above other forms of community. Dr. Samaddar argues for a new methodology which will accommodate the logic of historical continuity as well as the rights of the people compelled by circumstance to be on the move. The first study of its kind in the subcontinent, the volume will be of interest to students and scholars in the fields of political science, sociology, history, human rights, demography and ethnic studies."--Jacket.