The Centre has
asked the States to launch a special drive for detecting and
deporting Pakistani nationals overstaying in India after expiry
of their travel documents.
There are reports
of large scale illegal influx of Bangladeshi nationals who manage
to infiltrate into the country inspite of checks and controls
at the international border due to the long, open and porous
nature of the border, which is a matter of concern to the Government.
State Governments/Union
Territory Administrations have been asked to launch special
drives under the Foreigners Act, 1946 to detect and deport all
foreign nationals including Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals
illegally staying in the country. Besides, this matter is being
taken up diplomatically with the Government of Bangladesh at
various levels.
Giving this
information in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today the
Minister of State for Home, Shri Harin Pathak said 55,171 foreigners
were overstaying in India as on December 30, 2001 out of which
number of Pakistani nationals are 7945 and Bangladeshi 24, 443
and Sri Lankans 620.
The possibility
of involvement of some of the overstaying/missing foreign nationals
in terrorist activities cannot be ruled out. State Governments
and various agencies concerned take all measures to track down
and intercept/arrest such elements.
