Kolkata: The West Bengal government has ordered setting up of ‘holding centres’ across the state for illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.
District magistrates of every district in Bengal have been instructed to establish these centres for detained illegal foreigners – Bangladeshi nationals or Rohingya — and foreign-origin prisoners released from jail who are awaiting deportation or repatriation.
The suspects can be kept in the holding centres for 30 days said.
“The process of repatriating individuals — whether Bangladeshis or Rohingyas — who have been apprehended while residing illegally in this state is being initiated. Holding centres will be established across the districts for this purpose,” the state government said.
“These centres will be utilised to house illegal infiltrators as well as foreign prisoners released from jails within the state. Instructions are hereby issued to take the necessary steps for the establishment of these centres,” the directive mentioned.
The Central government had earlier issued directive to identify and repatriate infiltrators. However, new chief minister Suvendu Adhikari – the first from BJP in the state – said at a recent press conference that the previous administration failed to comply with those directives.
After the BJP government took oath on May 9, the process of implementing the laws regarding this matter has been set rolling.
Those who don’t fall under the purview of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will be immediately identified and arrested.
CM Adhikari said three days ago that Bangladeshi infiltrators detained in the state will now be directly handed over to the Border Security Force (BSF) for deportation instead of being produced before courts under a newly implemented system.
