CG govt to crackdown on illegal B'deshi nat'ls; Renewed focus resurfaces around polls: Oppn

Raipur: In a move to combat ‘serious security risks', Chhattisgarh govt has announced a statewide campaign to identify and take action against illegal Bangladeshi nationals and immigrants, and individuals residing without valid documents.

The campaign follows a resolution passed during a high-level meeting chaired by chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai on April 28. Deputy chief minister and home minister Vijay Sharma said that special task forces (STFs) will be established in every district to carry out this mission.

"This is a matter of national security. These unauthorized individuals not only violate civil rights but pose serious security risks," Sharma said in a statement.

The opposition Congress, meanwhile, asked for the data behind these campaigns, questioning their results and effectiveness, "How many were expelled during past campaigns? How many were even identified? These figures should be made public," former CM Bhupesh Baghel said. Baghel also alleged that such narratives tend to resurface around election time, especially in border states like West Bengal, insinuating political motives behind the renewed focus. He also questioned the outcome of the police officers' door-to-door campaigns.

On the other hand, deputy CM Sharma also warned that the crackdown will not be limited to immigrants alone. Strict action will be taken against individuals involved in creating fake documents or those aiding illegal migrants—such as contractors, scrap dealers, tent house operators, and garden workers—who facilitate such entries for minor profits.

A circular from the Police Headquarters has instructed all district police chiefs to act on the directives issued by the central govt. These include identifying and verifying all foreigners, especially Bangladeshi nationals, residing unlawfully within the state. In areas where migrant laborers have been brought in by contractors, police have been told to conduct thorough verification to ensure no illegal immigrants are being employed or sheltered.

1,800 Pakistani Visa Holders Identified in Raipur

Raipur SSP Lal Umed Singh said that around 1,800 individuals, including two Muslims, are currently residing in the city on Pakistani visas, most of them belonging to the Hindu community. "All of them have been identified. Once we receive instructions from the Centre, appropriate action will be taken," Singh said. Those on Long-Term Visas (LTVs) are expected to apply for extensions in July.

Raipur: In a move to combat ‘serious security risks', Chhattisgarh govt has announced a statewide campaign to identify and take action against illegal Bangladeshi nationals and immigrants, and individuals residing without valid documents.

The campaign follows a resolution passed during a high-level meeting chaired by chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai on April 28. Deputy chief minister and home minister Vijay Sharma said that special task forces (STFs) will be established in every district to carry out this mission.

"This is a matter of national security. These unauthorized individuals not only violate civil rights but pose serious security risks," Sharma said in a statement.

The opposition Congress, meanwhile, asked for the data behind these campaigns, questioning their results and effectiveness, "How many were expelled during past campaigns? How many were even identified? These figures should be made public," former CM Bhupesh Baghel said. Baghel also alleged that such narratives tend to resurface around election time, especially in border states like West Bengal, insinuating political motives behind the renewed focus. He also questioned the outcome of the police officers' door-to-door campaigns.

On the other hand, deputy CM Sharma also warned that the crackdown will not be limited to immigrants alone. Strict action will be taken against individuals involved in creating fake documents or those aiding illegal migrants—such as contractors, scrap dealers, tent house operators, and garden workers—who facilitate such entries for minor profits.

A circular from the Police Headquarters has instructed all district police chiefs to act on the directives issued by the central govt. These include identifying and verifying all foreigners, especially Bangladeshi nationals, residing unlawfully within the state. In areas where migrant laborers have been brought in by contractors, police have been told to conduct thorough verification to ensure no illegal immigrants are being employed or sheltered.

1,800 Pakistani Visa Holders Identified in Raipur

Raipur SSP Lal Umed Singh said that around 1,800 individuals, including two Muslims, are currently residing in the city on Pakistani visas, most of them belonging to the Hindu community. "All of them have been identified. Once we receive instructions from the Centre, appropriate action will be taken," Singh said. Those on Long-Term Visas (LTVs) are expected to apply for extensions in July.