Jammu and Kashmir begins deportation of Bangladeshi nationals

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have initiated a deportation operation targeting Bangladeshi nationals allegedly residing illegally in the region. On Monday, a group of 150 individuals was transported via a special Indian Air Force aircraft to Bagdogra, West Bengal, where they were handed over to Border Security Force personnel for processing.

An administrative survey conducted alongside the Jammu and Kashmir Police identified approximately 600 Bangladeshi nationals suspected of staying illegally across various districts in the Kashmir Valley. Officials stated that a second batch of 150 people is scheduled for deportation on October 7.

This crackdown aligns with efforts by the Union Home Ministry, which established the High-Level Committee on Demographic Change (HLCDC) in May to examine demographic shifts in border areas. The committee is tasked with studying changes in religious demography and other factors over the last 15 years to recommend measures for addressing illegal immigration and its impact on sensitive border regions.