Bengal govt orders 'holding centres' for illegal migrants

Kolkata: The West Bengal government has directed all district magistrates to set up "holding centres" for "apprehended foreigners and released foreign prisoners awaiting deportation or repatriation" in connection with the deportation of Bangladeshis or Rohingyas found staying illegally in the country. "It is requested to take initiative/appropriate action for setting up of holding centres in the district for apprehended foreigners as well as for released foreign prisoners awaiting deportation/repatriation in accordance with the MHA guidelines under reference," an order issued by the Home and Hill Affairs Department on May 23 stated. The move comes close on the heels of a statement made on Wednesday by West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari, who said the state government would adopt a "detect, delete and deport" policy for illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, excluding Hindu refugees and other communities covered under the CAA.

According to an official directive by the Foreigners' Branch (SAARC VISA Section) of the Home & Hill Affairs Department, district magistrates have been instructed by the state government to follow MHA guidelines regarding the "procedure to be followed for deportation of Bangladeshi/Rohingyas apprehended for staying illegally in this country."

Addressing a public rally in Nandigram, Adhikari had said he would work towards a Bengal where Indian nationals would continue to stay, while non-Indians would be deported from the state.