Hindu Vivek Kendra
A RESOURCE CENTER FOR THE PROMOTION OF HINDUTVA
   
 
 
«« Back
Deportation of illegal immigrants continues

Deportation of illegal immigrants continues

Author:
Publication: The Indian Express
Date: February 3, 2003
 
Inside the dimly-lit last bogie of the Howrah Express, three elderly men sit, handcuffed. Surrounded by policemen, they get ready for their journey back home on Saturday night, to the border and then further into Bangladesh.

Outside, it's a determined rush for space on the Calcutta-bound train. Crowds swarm the general compartment as men jostle, trying to occupy every available inch.

The trio being deported - Abdul Gafoor (55), Abu Tahir (50) and Bashar Haq (35) - lived in Santacruz. While Gafoor and Haq arrived from Bangladesh five months ago, Tahir says he has been here since June. "We lived in a mosque in Santacruz and worked there as cleaners," Tahir says. They earned between Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,500 a month.

Gafoor, Tahir and Haq were arrested in November 2000 and placed in police custody after it was established that they were illegal immigrants. "We are being sent back because we came here to make money," Haq says, with a shy smile. "We'll work on our farms in Naukhali and won't return," he adds.

"There was some oral communication from the BSF saying, in view of the mounting tension along the border, illegal immigrants should not be deported until further orders. However, in the absence of any communication from the Centre, we will continue deporting illegal immigrants," a senior official says.
 


Back                          Top

«« Back
 
 
 
  Search Articles
 
  Special Annoucements