Setting into motion process of deporation, J&K Govt puts 168 rohangiyas in holding centre in Hiranagar

Jammu: In first major action against illegal immigrants staying in the Union Territory here, Jammu Kashmir Police on Saturday picked up 168 Myanmar nationals including women staying at different places in Jammu and shifted them to a holding centre in Kathua district.

A senior police officer here confirmed it, saying that they were found staying here without any valid document. “After sending them to the holding centre, the process of nationality verification will be done as per the prescribed process. After completion of the Nationality verification, the process of deportation of these illegal immigrants will be initiated,’’ he added.

Meanwhile, sources said that the holding centres have been established  vide Home department notification dated 5th March 2021. This was done under section 3(2)e of the Foreigners Act. Due process of law was followed in this exercise. These immigrants were not holding valid travel documents required in terms of section (3) of the Passports Act.

The exercise of identifying more such immigrants is still in progress.