A day after Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena instructed the Delhi Police Commissioner to take stringent action against illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in the national capital, a widespread crackdown was launched across the city on Wednesday. The operation targeted areas suspected of harbouring undocumented migrants, including Kalindi Kunj, Uttam Nagar, Shaheen Bagh, and Jamia Nagar.
The move follows a high-level meeting between the Lieutenant Governor and a delegation of ulemas (clerics) and Muslim leaders, where concerns were raised about security risks and the treatment of minority communities in Bangladesh.
Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrants: Operation Highlights
Police teams conducted checks in slums, footpaths, and unauthorized colonies, meticulously inspecting identification documents of residents. Speaking about the operation, a senior police officer said, “We are visiting colonies, settlements, and other areas where we suspect illegal migrants are residing. We are verifying their documents, including those issued in states like Assam, which are close to Bangladesh. Cross-verification is being conducted to identify forgeries.”
Individuals unable to produce valid documents were taken to police stations for questioning. “If they are confirmed to be illegal immigrants, they will be deported,” the officer added. The operation is being carried out under the Foreigners Act, which provides a legal framework for detaining and deporting individuals residing in India without authorization.
Scope of the Crackdown
The drive is not limited to Bangladeshi nationals. Police clarified that similar actions are taken against all illegal immigrants, including those from Nigeria and other countries, as part of routine operations.
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Concerns Raised During Meeting
The crackdown comes days after the Lieutenant Governor met with clerics and leaders from Hazrat Nizamuddin to address their concerns about the growing number of infiltrators in Delhi. A note issued by the L-G’s office emphasized the need for decisive action to safeguard the city’s resources and security.
Key points from the meeting included:
- Concerns over unauthorized settlements in vulnerable areas.
- The socio-economic strain caused by illegal migration.
- The need for equitable treatment of minority communities while ensuring national security.
The L-G instructed the Chief Secretary to ensure time-bound action and mandated weekly progress reports on the issue.
Impact on the Capital
The police operation has sparked a mixed response from different quarters of society:
- Strengthening Security:
Many Delhi residents see the move as a long-overdue step to address the influx of illegal immigrants and its impact on the city’s security and resources. - Administrative Coordination:
The operation highlights the importance of coordination between the police, local authorities, and the government in addressing illegal immigration. With the Chief Secretary overseeing progress, authorities are expected to act swiftly. - Challenges of Implementation:
Critics argue that distinguishing genuine refugees from illegal immigrants can be challenging, especially in cases involving displaced communities fleeing persecution. This has led to calls for a balanced and humane approach. - Wider Implications:
Beyond Delhi, the crackdown may set a precedent for other cities grappling with illegal migration. Neighbouring states could adopt similar measures, potentially leading to larger nationwide campaigns.
Forged Documentation Under Scrutiny
The operation has also uncovered instances of forged documents, such as Aadhaar cards, being used to establish residency. Police are working with agencies like the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to investigate the rackets involved in creating fake IDs.
Officials believe these forgeries not only compromise security but also allow illegal migrants to access government services meant for Indian citizens. A senior officer remarked, “This is a serious concern that requires stricter monitoring and verification protocols for issuing identification documents.”
Government’s Stand
The Lieutenant Governor has assured citizens that while the government is committed to addressing illegal immigration, due care will be taken to ensure the fair treatment of all individuals. He emphasized that the operation targets only those residing in the city illegally and not genuine refugees or citizens.
As Delhi Police intensify their efforts, weekly progress reports will be submitted to the Chief Secretary for review. Officials anticipate that similar drives will be conducted in other vulnerable areas of the city.
The crackdown serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in managing illegal migration, balancing national security concerns with humanitarian considerations. Whether this initiative will lead to long-term solutions or spark further debates on migration policies remains to be seen.
