Two days after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued a fresh directive to launch a campaign against illegal Bangladeshis and Rohingya in Uttar Pradesh, the state government on Friday said that a coordinated framework is being developed to identify and prevent illegal immigrants, many of whom began seeking refuge in other states after the SIR exercise in West Bengal, from entering Uttar Pradesh.
In a statement, the government also said it has made it clear that this is not an emotional or reactionary move, but a determined effort to boost security and uphold law and order.
“Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has reiterated that national security is non-negotiable and that illegal infiltration will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” the statement said.
“The extensive verification drive currently underway has exposed a well-organised network of infiltrators. Large number of Bangladeshi and Rohingya suspects have been identified in several districts. The UP ATS has also conducted operations leading to the arrest of multiple Rohingya infiltrators, revealing the depth and long-standing nature of these networks. This operation is not only detecting ongoing activities but also uncovering the layers of support structures that have enabled such infiltration for years,” the statement said.
In a bid to ensure a systematic and lawful process, the state government has decided to establish detention centres in every division, and illegal immigrants detained will remain there until all legal procedures are completed.
The deportation process is being carried out in coordination with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), while the district magistrates concerned have been instructed to send daily reports to the Home Department in order to ensure constant monitoring, greater transparency, and faster progress, the statement said.
Earlier, the government said that tracking, arrest, and deportation of illegal immigrants were scattered and inefficient, and the new model is bringing all these steps under a unified and streamlined system.
Story continues below this ad
The government further said that action is being taken strictly under the Foreigners Act, 1946, where the burden of proof lies with the individual. Infiltrators are provided the opportunity to pursue judicial remedies, ensuring that the campaign is firm yet legally sound.
Adityanath had issued a fresh directive a day before, asking all 17 municipal corporations to prepare a list of Rohingya/Bangladeshis engaged as sanitation workers or any other jobs and hand it over to the divisional commissioners and the IGs in 18 divisions and ranges, respectively. The officials would ensure that the illegal immigrants are deported to their country. They have also been instructed to set up a detention centre in each division where these illegal immigrants would be kept until deported.
Bhupendra Pandey is the Resident Editor of the Lucknow edition of The Indian Express. With decades of experience in the heart of Uttar Pradesh’s journalistic landscape, he oversees the bureau’s coverage of India’s most politically significant state. His expertise lies in navigating the complex intersections of state governance, legislative policy, and grassroots social movements. From tracking high-stakes assembly elections to analyzing administrative shifts in the Hindi heartland, Bhupendra’s reportage provides a definitive lens on the region's evolution.
Authoritativeness He leads a team of seasoned reporters and investigators, ensuring that The Indian Express’ signature "Journalism of Courage" is reflected in every regional story. His leadership is central to the Lucknow bureau’s reputation for breaking stories that hold the powerful to account, making him a trusted figure for policy analysts, political scholars, and the general public seeking to understand the nuances of UP’s complex landscape.
Trustworthiness & Accountability Under his stewardship, the Lucknow edition adheres to the strictest standards of factual verification and non-partisan reporting. He serves as a bridge between the local populace and the national discourse, ensuring that regional issues are elevated with accuracy and context. By prioritizing primary-source reporting and on-the-ground verification, he upholds the trust that readers have placed in the Express brand for nearly a century. ... Read More
