NEW DELHI, Aug 5 - Confirming that some Bangladeshi nationals managed to enter Assam and other parts of the country illegally, the Centre said an action plan for detection and deportation of illegal migrants in Assam has been prepared. The Government of Assam has formed 500 State police units for detection of illegal immigrants in Assam, said Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for Home Affairs, in reply to a Rajya Sabha question by Pankaj Bora.
Rijiju said that in order to maintain national security, the government has already taken a number of steps, which include strengthening of Border Security Force (BSF) and equipping them with modern and sophisticated equipment, reduction of gaps between two border outposts, intensification of patrolling, accelerated programme for construction of border roads and border fencing and provision of surveillance equipment.
Besides, the issue of illegal migrants from Bangladesh is regularly taken up at various forum and steps have been taken for coordinated patrolling, identification of vulnerable gaps and strengthening of riverine patrolling. Moreover, Bangladesh has also been urged to take effective steps to check illegal movement of their nationals into India, especially through vulnerable and riverine areas.
The powers of identification and deportation of illegally staying foreign nationals, including Bangladeshi nationals, have been delegated to the State under Section 3(2)(c) of the Foreigners Act, 1946. The government has set up 36 Foreigners Tribunals in Assam for detection and deportation of illegal immigrants. Besides, another 64 Foreigners Tribunals have been sanctioned in June, 2013 for setting up in Assam for speedier disposal of pending cases.
