Odisha's Chief Minister Takes a Stand Against Illegal Immigration: What’s Next for Bangladesh Nationals?
Odisha's Commitment to National Security
Kendrapada: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasized the Odisha government's determination to deport Bangladeshi nationals residing illegally in the state. He instructed local police and district officials in Kendrapara to take decisive action against these individuals, citing potential threats to national security.
Majhi stated that deportations would be conducted in accordance with legal protocols.
He urged local law enforcement to collaborate with central agencies to effectively address the complex issue of illegal immigration.
During a review of government initiatives in the district, he directed authorities to identify unlawful settlers and initiate deportation processes.
Majhi asserted that all infiltrators, regardless of their origin, would face strict measures, reinforcing the state's zero-tolerance stance towards undocumented foreigners, who are viewed as security risks.
In a previous assembly session, Majhi revealed that 3,738 Bangladeshi infiltrators had been identified in Odisha, with Kendrapara having the highest number at 1,649.
Following Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur reported 1,112, Malkangiri 655, Bhadrak 199, Nabarangpur 106, and Bhubaneswar 17.
In 2005, 1,711 Bangladeshis in coastal Odisha received 'Quit India' notices under the Foreigners Act, but their deportation was halted by the central government due to claims of wrongful identification.
Prior to 2005, 21 Bangladeshi nationals were deported under the same act.
The Chief Minister also discussed Kendrapara's development challenges while assessing administrative efficiency, infrastructure advancements, and social welfare programs.
Majhi expressed that Kendrapada would serve as a foundation for the government's upcoming development agenda.
The review meeting included local MLAs, focusing on enhancing water resource infrastructure, boosting industrial development, and expanding the district's mangrove areas.
He encouraged officials to explore Kendrapara's eco-tourism potential, aiming to attract more visitors to Bhitarkanika National Park and Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary while maintaining ecological balance.
Additionally, MLAs raised the long-standing request for a medical college in Kendrapada and the implementation of a 'parikrama' (corridor) project around the Baladevjew Temple.
Majhi praised the district's achievements in creating Lakhpati Didis and the success of the Subhadra Yojana, as well as its effective grievance redressal, mid-day meal scheme, and allowance distribution.
He instructed the administration to devise a comprehensive plan within a month to transform Kendrapada into a model district, emphasizing industrial growth, tourism, renewable energy, and reliable access to drinking water and healthcare.
Earlier, Majhi participated in a Tiranga Yatra from the Mausi Maa Temple to the historic Shri Baladev Jew Temple and launched two outreach initiatives: Krishi Rath (Agriculture Rath) and Revenue Rath.