Illegal Bangladeshi Nationals in Assam
There are reports that some Bangladeshi nationals were able to manage to enter into the country illegally despite several checks and control measures taken along the International border. Since, entry of such illegal Bangladeshi nationals into the country is clandestine and surreptitious, it is not possible to have accurate data of such illegal Bangladeshi nationals. The powers of identification and deportation of illegally staying foreign nationals including Bangladeshi nationals have been delegated to the State Governments and Union Territories Administrations under Section 3(2)(c) of the Foreigners Act, 1946.The Government has set up 36 Foreigners Tribunals in the State of Assam for detection and deportation of illegal immigrants. As per reports, during the period 1985 to 2014, 9,41,361 number of enquiries were initiated, out of which 9,28,690 number of enquiries were completed and 4,39,389 cases including doubtful voters cases in Assam were referred to the Foreigners Tribunals for opinion. The foreigners tribunals had disposed of 2,20,485 cases, declaring 33,015 persons as foreigners in the stream of pre 1971 and 28,316 persons as foreigners who came to Assam on or after 25.3.1971. 2447 declared illegal migrants have been deported to Bangladeshi during the said period. Additional, 64 number of Foreigners Tribunals have been sanctioned in June, 2013 by the Government of India for setting up in the State of Assam for speedier disposal of pending cases in the Tribunals.
In order to prevent fresh illegal infiltration from Bangladesh, BSF has identified 19 vulnerable patches/border outposts along Indo-Bangladesh border. Security has been strengthened and close vigil are being kept along the identified vulnerable patches. Besides, several measures have been taken by the Government which including strengthening of BSF and equipping them with modern and sophisticated equipment / gadgets; raising of additional battalions of BSF; reduction of gaps between border outposts; intensification of patrolling; accelerated programme of construction of border roads and border fencing; provision of surveillance equipments etc.
This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju in a written reply to Shri Ranjib Biswal in the Rajya Sabha today.
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KSD/PK/BK/RS