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The death of Thomas Gabriel Periera, a Kerala native, under tragic circumstances while attempting to cross the Jordanian border into Israel has brought the complex and often perilous issue of illegal immigration into sharp focus. The narrative, pieced together from the account of Periera's relative, Edison, who survived the ordeal, paints a picture of desperation, miscommunication, and the lengths to which individuals will go in pursuit of perceived opportunities or religious pilgrimages. The incident underscores the vulnerabilities faced by those who choose to bypass legal channels, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of illegal immigration and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation and harm. Edison's account reveals a journey fraught with challenges from the outset. The group, led by a man named Biju, travelled to Jordan with the intention of obtaining visas to enter Israel. However, their plans were hampered by the requirement for a minimum of ten people for the tourist package they sought. Facing this obstacle, they were left with only four individuals including a British national who eventually departed, further diminishing their prospects. The decision to proceed despite the lack of proper documentation and the dwindling numbers demonstrates a significant underestimation of the risks involved and a potentially unrealistic assessment of their chances of success. The use of a guide to cross the border suggests an awareness of the illegality of their actions, but also an attempt to mitigate the risks through local expertise. However, the guide's inability to communicate effectively due to language barriers proved to be a critical factor in the tragic outcome. The encounter with Jordanian border forces underscores the inherent dangers of attempting to cross borders illegally. The inability to communicate, coupled with the perceived threat posed by the group, led to the use of deadly force. This highlights the importance of clear communication protocols and de-escalation tactics in border security operations, as well as the need for cultural sensitivity and language training among border personnel. Edison's subsequent imprisonment and eventual return to India further emphasize the consequences of illegal immigration. His lack of funds and reliance on his family to secure his release underscore the financial burdens and emotional distress associated with such journeys. The fact that he only learned of Periera's death after returning home adds another layer of tragedy to the story, highlighting the isolation and vulnerability of individuals who find themselves caught in the complex web of illegal immigration. The incident has also sparked a debate about illegal immigration in India, coinciding with the deportation of hundreds of Indian nationals from the United States. This has prompted the government to consider implementing stricter laws to curb illegal immigration, reflecting a growing concern about the potential security risks and social challenges associated with unauthorized migration. However, critics argue that such measures should be balanced with efforts to address the underlying economic and social factors that drive people to seek opportunities abroad through irregular channels. The response of the Indian Embassy in Jordan, which is working to repatriate Periera's body, demonstrates the government's commitment to providing consular assistance to its citizens abroad, even in cases involving illegal activities. This underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing the challenges of illegal immigration and ensuring the protection of human rights. The family's account of Periera's departure adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. His decision to withhold information from his wife suggests an awareness of her potential disapproval and a determination to pursue his goals regardless. This highlights the personal and emotional toll that illegal immigration can take on families, as well as the potential for secrecy and deception within relationships. The fact that Periera had previously worked in Kuwait for five years suggests a history of seeking opportunities abroad, potentially driven by economic factors or a desire for a better life. This underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of illegal immigration, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education and healthcare. Ultimately, the death of Thomas Gabriel Periera serves as a stark reminder of the risks and consequences associated with illegal immigration. It highlights the need for individuals to make informed decisions about their migration plans, to seek legal channels for migration, and to be aware of the potential dangers involved in crossing borders illegally. It also underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing the root causes of illegal immigration, protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation and harm, and ensuring that border security operations are conducted in a humane and respectful manner.
Edison's detailed account provides a chilling firsthand perspective on the events leading to Periera's death. His description of being taken to Jordan by Biju to obtain visas for Israel points to a network, possibly informal, facilitating such border crossings. The requirement for ten people for a tourist visa, which they failed to meet, is a common tactic used to attract tourists but can leave individuals vulnerable when these numbers are not achieved. The decision by the UK national to return, promising more people, suggests a lack of awareness of the dangers or a confidence that the journey was manageable, even under irregular circumstances. The fact that the trio still attempted to cross the border with a guide, despite these setbacks, reveals a determination, possibly born out of desperation or a misguided belief in their chances of success. The guide's inability to communicate in their language, being a Sri Lankan citizen, was a critical failure. Communication is paramount in such situations, especially when encountering border patrols. The inability to explain their intentions or to understand instructions likely contributed to the escalation that resulted in the shooting. Edison's narration of the border forces opening fire after being unable to understand them is a harrowing account. The plea to make a phone call home, which was denied, emphasizes their vulnerability and lack of access to help. His losing consciousness and waking up in prison underscores the brutality and chaos of the situation. His subsequent release, facilitated by his family, highlights the importance of having support networks in such crises. The fact that he only learned of Periera's death after returning to India underscores the lack of information and the difficulties in obtaining accurate news in such circumstances. The incident has sparked a debate about illegal immigration in India, particularly following the deportation of over 300 Indians from the US. This highlights the global nature of the issue and the challenges faced by individuals seeking opportunities or refuge in other countries through irregular channels. The Centre's consideration of a law to curb illegal immigration reflects a growing concern about border security and the potential social and economic impacts of unauthorized migration. However, such laws must be carefully crafted to avoid criminalizing vulnerable individuals who may be seeking legitimate opportunities or fleeing persecution. The Indian Embassy's response in Jordan, promising assistance in repatriating Periera's body, is a standard protocol in such cases. Embassies have a duty to provide consular assistance to their citizens, regardless of the circumstances of their death or detention. The family's statement that Periera last spoke with his wife on February 9, stating they were safe in the room and asking her to pray, is a poignant detail that highlights the human cost of illegal immigration. His decision not to inform his family of the true purpose of his trip suggests an awareness of the risks and a desire to avoid causing them worry. His previous experience working in Kuwait for five years indicates a history of seeking opportunities abroad and a willingness to take risks to improve his economic situation. The family's lack of knowledge about his trip to Jordan underscores the secrecy and isolation often associated with illegal migration. His independent arrangement of funds further highlights his determination and resourcefulness, but also the lack of support or guidance he received from official channels.
The larger context of illegal immigration must also be considered. The article mentions the deportation of over 300 illegal Indians from the US, placing Periera's death within a global pattern. People migrate illegally for myriad reasons: economic hardship, political instability, lack of opportunities in their home countries, or a desire for a better life for themselves and their families. These are powerful motivators that often outweigh the risks involved. The fact that Periera had previously worked in Kuwait suggests he may have been seeking better economic prospects. The desire to visit Israel, potentially for religious reasons, might have also been a factor. Regardless of the specific motivation, the fact remains that he felt compelled to circumvent legal channels. This points to a need for more accessible and affordable legal migration pathways. The visa requirements mentioned in the article, specifically the need for a minimum of ten people for a tourist package, can create barriers to legal travel. Such requirements can inadvertently push individuals towards illegal means of entry. The role of intermediaries like Biju is also significant. These individuals often exploit the desperation of migrants, promising easy access to desired destinations but often delivering only danger and exploitation. The lack of regulation and oversight in this sector makes it difficult to protect vulnerable individuals. The Jordanian border forces' actions, while tragic, also highlight the challenges faced by border security agencies. They are tasked with protecting their borders from illegal crossings, often in difficult and dangerous circumstances. The inability to communicate effectively can lead to misunderstandings and escalate tensions. The need for better training, equipment, and communication protocols for border security personnel is evident. The article also raises ethical questions about the responsibility of countries to protect migrants, even those who are entering illegally. While countries have the right to control their borders, they also have a moral obligation to treat all individuals with dignity and respect. The deportation of illegal immigrants, as mentioned in the article, can also raise human rights concerns, especially if individuals are being returned to countries where they face persecution or violence. The Indian government's consideration of stricter laws to curb illegal immigration should be approached with caution. Such laws should be carefully designed to avoid criminalizing vulnerable individuals and should be accompanied by efforts to address the root causes of migration. International cooperation is essential to address the complex challenges of illegal immigration. Countries need to work together to share information, combat human trafficking, and create legal migration pathways. The death of Thomas Gabriel Periera is a tragedy that should serve as a wake-up call. It highlights the human cost of illegal immigration and the need for comprehensive and humane solutions to this global challenge.
Source: Relative of Kerala man killed in Jordan: We were shot at while crossing border