||Black and White Digital News||

||Parvinder Singh July 11,2024 ||

JAMMU: In a decisive move aimed at bolstering national security and addressing illegal immigration, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has reconstituted a seven-member panel dedicated to identifying and deporting foreign nationals who have been overstaying illegally in the region for the past 13 years. This initiative marks a significant step in the Union Territory’s efforts to regulate and control unauthorized foreign presence.

Task Force Reconstitution: A Step Towards Stringent Measures.

“Sanction is hereby accorded to the re-constitution of the committee to identify foreign nationals illegally overstaying in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir since 2011,” stated Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary to the Government, Home Department, in a recently issued order. This reconstituted committee is vested with the responsibility of compiling and regularly updating a digital record of illegal migrants by gathering their biographic and biometric details.

High-Powered Committee: Members and Their Roles.

The administrative secretary of the Home Department will preside over the panel, which includes key figures such as the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) of Punjab, representatives from the Criminal Investigation Department (Special Branch) at Jammu and Srinagar headquarters, and all district Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) (Foreigners Registration). The state coordinator of the National Informatics Centre (NIC) will also play a crucial role in this operation.

Monthly Reports to the Union Home Ministry:

To ensure thorough and continuous monitoring, the committee is mandated to submit a detailed monthly report to the Union Home Ministry by the fifth day of each month. This report will encapsulate the progress made in identifying and deporting illegal foreign nationals, providing a comprehensive update on the ongoing efforts.

Coordinated Efforts: Oversight and Reporting.

The Home Department’s directive emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts in tracing and deporting foreign nationals illegally residing in Jammu and Kashmir. The panel is tasked with monitoring these activities and reporting their progress to the Home Department regularly. Additionally, the committee is responsible for disseminating information on ongoing cases in various courts and keeping all relevant stakeholders informed about the status and developments of these cases.

Digital Record and Biometric Data Collection:

A nodal officer has been appointed to oversee the collection of biographic and biometric data of illegal migrants. This officer will compile progress reports and maintain an up-to-date digital record of those illegally staying in Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring that no stone is left unturned in the identification process.

Historical Context: The 2021 Operation Against Rohingyas.

This move follows a significant operation in 2021, where the Jammu and Kashmir Police detained over 270 Rohingyas from Myanmar, including 74 women and 70 children, at the sub-jail in Kathua district’s Hiranagar. This operation underscored the region’s ongoing struggle with illegal immigration and highlighted the need for stringent measures to control it.

Strong Message Against Illegal Immigration:

The reconstitution of this high-powered panel sends a strong and unequivocal message regarding Jammu and Kashmir’s stance on illegal immigration. By systematically identifying and deporting overstaying foreign nationals, the administration aims to strengthen national security and ensure that the region remains safe and secure for its citizens. This initiative not only addresses the immediate concerns but also sets a precedent for future actions against illegal immigration in the Union Territory.