Malda, May 25 -- The first holding centre in Malda became operational on Sunday at Chandan Park in English Bazar town amid the government's intensified crackdown on illegal infiltration. Nine Bangladeshi nationals, including three women and six minors, have been lodged at the facility after being detained from Pandua under Gazole police station limits.
The holding centre has been placed under tight security arrangements. CCTV cameras have been installed across the premises, while 12 police personnel, three Civil Defence staff and three civic volunteers have been deployed for round-the-clock monitoring. A cook has also been appointed for the detainees. The development follows recent directives issued by the Union Home Ministry and the state government to establish holding centres in districts for foreign nationals awaiting deportation proceedings. Officials said the detainees were identified as Bangladeshi nationals and brought to the centre for further legal and administrative procedures.
Reacting to the move, North Malda MP Khagen Murmu said: "Those who are not Indian citizens must return to their own country. Our priority is to secure both the state and the nation."
Union Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier reiterated the government's "detect, delete and deport" policy against illegal infiltration.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.