India urges Bangladesh to expedite nationality verification for repatriation of 'illegal' immigrants
“More than 2,860 cases of nationality verification are pending with Bangladesh, with some of them awaiting clearance for over five years,” Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
India today (7 May) urged Bangladesh to expedite nationality verification of a list of "illegal" immigrants submitted by New Delhi, so that their repatriation can proceed smoothly.
Responding to recent remarks from Dhaka and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma regarding "pushback" incidents, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters in New Delhi that "we have seen comments of this nature being made in the last several days."
He said such remarks should be viewed in the context of the core issue of repatriating illegal Bangladeshis from India, which, he stressed, requires cooperation from Bangladesh.
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"More than 2,860 cases of nationality verification are pending with Bangladesh, with some of them awaiting clearance for over five years," Jaiswal said.
"We have shared with the Bangladeshi side for the confirmation of their nationality so that they can be repatriated in a smooth manner. We expect Bangladesh will take action in this regard so that repatriation of illegal nationals can take place smoothly as per established mechanisms."
He added that India's policy remains that any foreign national staying illegally in the country must be repatriated "as per laws, procedures and established bilateral mechanisms and arrangements."
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed recently expressed hope that people would not be "pushed" into Bangladesh following BJP's victory in assembly elections in bordering Indian states.
His remarks came after Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman said Bangladesh would take action if "push-in" incidents occurred following political changes in West Bengal.
The BJP had campaigned strongly on the issue of "illegal" immigration from Bangladesh during the recent West Bengal and Assam assembly elections, accusing the Trinamool Congress of facilitating infiltration, allegations the Mamata Banerjee-led party has rejected.
Asked about Foreign Minister Khalilur's remarks on Teesta river water sharing, Jaiswal said India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers and that structured mechanisms exist to discuss all water-related issues, which continue to meet regularly.
