Expedite verification of illegal immigrants

Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said on Friday that India expected Bangladesh to expedite the verification of the nationalities of suspected illegal immigrants so that the deportation process for those staying illegally in India could proceed in a smooth and efficient manner.

"As far as the deportation of these people is concerned, there is a bilateral mechanism in place. We refer these cases to the Bangladesh side to verify the nationality of these people. And once it is verified, we move forward with the deportation process," Randhir Jaiswal told a weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Friday.

He said India has sent many such requests, "which are still pending with the Bangladesh side. We hope and expect that they will be expedited as soon as possible so that the deportation of people who are illegally staying in India can be taken forward in a smooth and efficient manner," he said.

Jaiswal was asked about Bangladesh's allegation that Indian authorities were pushing people 
across the border.

Jaiswal said, "For all nationals in India, including those from Bangladesh, if they are here, we have laws to deal with them. And they will be dealt with accordingly."

Asked to comment on a remark by former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee about India's alleged involvement in the killing of Inqilab Mancha spokesman Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, Jaiswal said, "I have not seen the remark. Once I see that, I will get back to you."

Replying to a question on whether push-ins would jeopardise India-Bangladesh ties, the MEA spokesman said, "Overall, India wants to further strengthen its ties with Bangladesh and take them forward."