West Bengal CM Announces Deportation of 4,800 Undocumented Bangladeshis in a Month

In a significant announcement, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari revealed that approximately 4,800 individuals, alleged to be undocumented immigrants from Bangladesh, have been deported in the past month. This move comes as part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to manage immigration and uphold national laws concerning citizenship.

During a press briefing on Sunday, Adhikari, a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), emphasized that these individuals were not eligible for citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). He also mentioned an additional 836 alleged illegal immigrants currently held in state-run facilities, who are set to be deported shortly. The establishment of these holding centres was mandated by the state government earlier this year, intended for undocumented immigrants and foreign prisoners awaiting repatriation.

The chief minister highlighted the legal framework that allows for the transfer of undocumented immigrants to the Border Security Force (BSF), rather than incarceration. He criticized the previous administration for treating these individuals as guests, providing them with food, clothing, and medical care while they resided in prisons. ‘This law was applied effectively in other states, but in West Bengal, they were treated differently,’ Adhikari asserted.

In a related development, the chief minister noted that the newly formed BJP government has prioritized border security. In its inaugural cabinet meeting, the government approved the transfer of nearly 100 kilometers of land to the BSF for the purposes of border fencing. Adhikari reiterated the importance of enhancing border security measures, stating, ‘That is why we have handed over nearly 100 km of land to the BSF for fencing work.’

These actions reflect a broader trend in Indian politics concerning immigration and national security, particularly in border states like West Bengal, which shares a lengthy boundary with Bangladesh. The issue of illegal immigration remains a contentious topic in Indian society, often intertwined with discussions about citizenship rights, national identity, and regional security.

Source: scroll.in