New Delhi, Aug 06: The centre has entrusted state governments and union territory administrations with powers under the Foreigners Act, 1946, to detect and deport foreign nationals staying in India unauthorisedly, Minister of State for Home Harin Pathak said today. He told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply that administrative instructions are also issued to them from time-to-time to launch special drives for detecting such foreign nationals.
Moreover, several measures had been taken to check illegal influx into the country which include raising additional battalion of BSF and equipping the force with modern and sophisticated equipment and gadgets, reduction of gaps between border outposts, intensification of patrolling, accelerated construction of border roads and border fencing and provision of surveillance equipment.
He said that all Bangladeshi Chakma refugees in Tripura had been repatriated.
In reply to another question the minister said the Manipur government had submitted a proposal seeking funds for rehabilitation of victims of ethnic clashes. The centre had released Rs 6.67 crore for the purpose and further funds would be given subject to details of utilisation of the funds already released.
To another question he said that 437 people had been kidnapped by terrorists in the northeastern states during the past six months ending June 30.
The government had taken up with Myanmar, Bhutan and Bangladesh the issue of militants having bases on their territories. These governments had assured that they would not allow ''negative elements'' to use their territory for anti-India activities.
Bureau Report