J&K administration must augment Union govt’s efforts to deport illegal immigrants in wake of security threats: Rajni Sethi

JAMMU: The Supreme Court of India recently remarked that “India is not a Dharamshala,” reinforcing the nation's sovereign right to regulate who resides within its borders. This statement gains added urgency in light of the horrific terrorist attack on April 22, which targeted innocent tourists. The incident has deeply shocked the entire country and raised serious concerns about internal security, especially in sensitive regions like Jammu and Kashmir, said Rajni Sethi.

Rajni Sethi, Spokesperson, J&K BJP, accompanied by Dr. Pardeep Mahotra, Media Incharge, J&K BJP, Prerna Nanda, Secretary Mahila Morcha and Suman Raina, Treasurer, Mahila Morcha, J&K BJP, was addressing a Press Conference at J&K BJP headquarters, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu.

She, while addressing the press conference said that the J&K UT Chief Minister led administration must take immediate steps on ground to augment the efforts of Union government in the deportation of illegal Bangladeshi/Rohingyas to secure the nation from the threats that may arise internally.

In response to this attack, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a directive to identify and deport all illegal Pakistani nationals residing in India. What is especially alarming is that many of these individuals have been living in India for years and possess Indian identity documents such as Aadhaar cards, voter IDs, and ration cards—fraudulently obtained through illegal means. This not only undermines our national identity systems but also poses a direct threat to our internal security and national integrity.

The issue doesn’t end with illegal Pakistanis. Large numbers of Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants have also entered India illegally and settled in various states and union territories. Their presence—often undocumented and unmonitored—represents a serious challenge to the law-and-order situation. It is well known that some of these individuals have been involved in illegal activities, including human trafficking, smuggling, and radicalization. The demographic impact of their settlement also causes social and political unrest in various regions.

Recognizing these risks, the MHA has directed all states and Union Territories to begin a thorough verification of documents possessed by suspected illegal migrants. It has also called for the establishment of detention centres where these individuals can be housed during the verification and deportation process. This move is in line with India’s national interest and legal framework.

It is important to note that India is not a signatory to the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol. Therefore, international refugee laws are not binding on India, giving the country full authority to act according to its own legal framework—in this case, the Foreigners Act, 1946. This law grants the government the power to detect, detain, and deport illegal foreign nationals. No international pressure can override the constitutional and legislative prerogatives of India when it comes to safeguarding its national security.

We, as responsible citizens, have complete faith in the central leadership and the police administration of our Union Territories. We trust that they will carry out this important process with urgency, transparency, and due diligence. We also expect full cooperation from all state governments in implementing the MHA's directives without political bias or delay.

This is not a question of religion or politics—it is about the security, sovereignty, and well-being of India. The nation must unite on this issue and support lawful action against those who reside in our country illegally and threaten our internal peace. India has always respected genuine asylum seekers and refugees, but illegal immigration must be dealt with strictly. Our future, and the safety of our citizens, depends on it.