Question : HARASSMENT OF IMMIGRANTS

(a) whether there are reports that a large number of persons from neighbouring countries have taken refuge in the country, particularly in the North Eastern States;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the reaction of the Government thereto;

(d) whether there are also reports that such migrants are being harassed by the local police in the North Eastern States including Assam;

(e) if so, the details of such cases reported during each of the last three years, State-wise:and

(f) the steps taken by the Government to address the problem and for conferring of legitimate rights to such migrants?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN)

(a) to (f): There are reports of people from neighbouring countries having entered the country without travel documents. Details of foreigners who have entered India illegally are not available. Central Government is vested with powers to deport a foreign national under section 3(2)(c) of the Foreigners Act, 1946. These powers to identify and deport illegally staying foreign nationals have also been delegated to the State Governments/ UT Administrations. Detection and deportation of such illegal immigrants in a continuous process. A revised procedure for detection and deportation of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants has also been set out and circulated to State Governments/ UT Administrations in November, 2009. The procedure includes sending back then and there, the illegal immigrants who are intercepted at the border while entering India unauthorisedly. Thirty-two Foreigners Tribunals have been constituted in the State of Assam for detection of illegal immigrants. Additional four Foreigners Tribunals have also been sanctioned for setting up in Assam.

Details of cases of harassment of such migrants by the local police are not available. The State Governments /UT Administrations have since been advised to issue necessary instructions to the police authorities to ensure that no innocent person belonging to any community is unnecessarily harassed and to strictly follow the instructions issued by the Government in November 2009.