MINISTER OF MINORITY AFFAIRS (SHRI SALMAN KHURSHID)
(a): Yes, Madam.
(b): No, Madam. They have only expressed apprehension about arms being supplied from outside the area.
(c): A three member team consisting of a Member of the Planning Commission, a Member of the National Commission for Minorities and an Adviser of the Planning Commission visited Kokrajhar, Gossaigaon, and the Dhubri district, including Bilasipara in Assam on 11th and 12th August2012. The team also met the Chief Minister of Assam. The Report of this team centred on the conditions of the relief camps and the law and order situation in these areas and recommendations.
(d): There are reports of illegal infiltration/immigration of Bangladeshi nationals who manage to infiltrate into the country in spite of checks and control at the international border, particularly through few patches where fencing is not feasible due to difficult terrain and riverine areas. As this activity takes place clandestinely, no specific details are available about the magnitude of this illegal migration to India including North Eastern States as well as in Assam.
(e): The powers of identification and deportation of illegally staying foreign nationals including Bangladeshi nationals have been delegated to the States Governments and Union Territories Administrations under Section 3(2)(c) of the Foreigners Act, 1946. Thirty six (36) Foreigners Tribunals including additional four (4) Foreigners Tribunals sanctioned in August 2009 are set up for detection of foreigners/illegal migrants in the State of Assam.
Government has taken steps for strengthening of the Border Security Force and equipping them with modern equipment, reduction of gaps between the border posts and intensified patrolling along Indo-Bangladesh border. The border fence along the Bangladesh border is being strengthened and a scheme for flood lighting along the border is being implemented. The strengthening of security and erection of fencing along Indo-Bangladesh border has helped in curbing illegal migration from Bangladesh to India effectively.
Further, the issue of illegal migration from Bangladesh is regularly discussed at relevant bilateral meetings, including the Working Group on Security, Director General level talks between the Border Security Force and the Border Guard Bangladesh, Home Secretary level talks and Home Minister level consultations. The two countries have put in place mechanisms, including a coordinated Border Management Plan signed in July 2011, to address issues arising from illegal border crossings and incidents on the border and to enhance cooperation between the border guarding forces of the two countries.
