1,770 illegal Bangladeshis repatriated from India

New Delhi, April 16: A government statistics has revealed that approximately 1,770 Bangladeshi nationals have been repatriated from India during the last three years. This revelation could easily ascertain the presence of illegal Bangladeshis in India in general and the Northeast in particular.

As per available information, approximately 330 Pakistani and approximately 1,770 Bangladeshi nationals have been repatriated during the last three years.

What is more surprising is the fact that these illegal migrants enter into the country in clandestine and surreptitious manner. “Though an accurate estimate of such illegal migrants is not available, some instances of violation of the law and involvement in illegal activities by foreign nationals have been reported,” a top official in the Union Home Ministry said.

The central government is vested with powers to deport a foreign national under Section 3(2)(c) of the Foreigners Act, 1946. These powers to identify and deport illegally staying foreign nationals have also been delegated to state governments and union territory administrations and the Bureau of Immigration under the Foreigners Act, 1946.

“Law enforcement agencies also maintain a strict vigil on the activities of foreigners in the country and take appropriate action in cases of any illegal activities,” the official said.

The revelation involving repatriation of illegal Bangladeshis assumes significance following the ongoing update of the NRC in Assam.

The first part of draft NRC covering 1.90 crore applicants out of 3.29 crore applicants was published on the expiry of the midnight of December 31 last year, including names of those applicants in respect of whom the entire process of verification had been completed.

The remaining applicants are under various stages of scrutiny and after their verification is completed, another draft NRC will be published on June 30. “After publication of complete draft NRC, every individual would get an opportunity to file claims or objections, if any, and only after disposal of such claims and objections, the final NRC will be published,” the official added.