Author: PTI
Publication: The Economic Times
Date: August 19, 2011
URL: http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-08-19/news/29905389_1_illegal-immigrants-bangladesh-government-identification-and-deportation
The government today said delay in identification
of nationality of illegal immigrants by Bangladesh is causing problems in
deportation from India.
"Delay in identification of nationality
of illegal immigrants by Bangladesh High Commission is causing delay in deportation
of illegal immigrants," Minister of State for Home Mullappally Ramachandran
said in the Rajya Sabha.
He said the government has taken up the issue
with the Bangladesh government.
Nearly 1.35 lakh people from Bangladesh without
valid visa were intercepted since 2001 to June 30 this year, he said, replying
to a debate on a private member's bill moved by Shiv Sena leader Manohar Joshi.
The minister said illegal immigrants from
Bangladesh are a "big problem" and government is taking steps to
deal with the issue.
Ramachandran said after issuance of UID (unique
identification card) the country would be able to check illegal immigration.
He said the existing laws to tackle the problem
are adequate. The Centre has asked the state government to implement these
laws to check the problem, he added.
Earlier, Joshi alleged that illegal immigrants
are providing weapons to terrorists carrying out attacks in different cities.
Ravishankar Prasad (BJP) said illegal immigration
from Bangladesh is a threat to security, sanctity and defence of the country
and should be stopped immediately.
After the assurance given by the Minister,
Joshi withdrew the bill which sought to create a national commission for identification
and deportation of illegal immigrants in the country.
