NEW DELHI, Nov 25 � The Centre today ordered a probe by a premier central agency into reports of infiltration into India through Bangladesh.
The matter has been assigned to a premier investigation agency for detailed investigation, Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said in a Lok Sabha reply.
The Minister further said that at least 17 Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended by BSF last November, who were in possession of documents like Aadhar, Voter Identity Cards and driving licence.
Admitting reports of Bangladeshi nationals having entered the country without valid documents, Rijiju said a number of Bangladeshi nationals, who had entered India on valid travel documents, also have been found to be overstaying. According to available information, as on December 31, 2012, 16,530 Bangladeshi nationals who came to India with valid travel documents were found to be overstaying.
Meanwhile, the Centre today ruled out the possibility of amending the Citizenship Act and visa rules for Bangladeshi and Pakistani nationals living in India on Long Term Visa.
However, the facilities provided to these foreigners are reviewed as and when required, Rijiju said.
Significantly, Rijiju revealed that the Government of India has initiated the process to amend suitably clauses (a), (C), (f) and (g) of sub-section (1) of Section 5 and Section 6 of the Citizenship Act 1955 to relax the prescribed period of one year of continuing stay of foreigners in India immediately before making an application for citizenship.
As reported, currently the Supreme Court is hearing a bunch of petitions challenging the validity of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, which deals with cut-off date as specified under the Assam Accord.
Meanwhile, Rijiju said that there is no proposal under consideration to construct fences on the riverine areas of the Indo-Bangladesh Border.
