The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a major operation against “illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants in the state”. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed seventeen municipal bodies to immediately prepare comprehensive lists of all suspected foreign nationals working in their areas. These lists are to be submitted to the respective commissioners and IGs for prompt action.
As part of the crackdown, the CM has instructed that detention centres be set up in every administrative division. Authorities have begun identifying vacant government buildings, community centres, police lines and police stations to house the migrants. These centres will provide food, water, medical care and strict security. The district administration and police will manage the centres and report daily to the Home Department.
The standard operating procedure issued by the Union Home Ministry will be followed to verify the citizenship documents of Bangladeshi and Rohingya nationals. Those whose citizenship is found to be illegal will be held in detention until they can be sent back through the Foreign Regional Registration Office, with the Border Security Force assisting in their return via West Bengal and Assam, as per the authorities.
Officials have already begun compiling lists and verifying records in various districts. They say that aim of the operation is to strengthen law and order, protect local residents, prevent misuse of state resources, and ensure that government services are reserved for legal citizens. Authorities are working in coordination across departments to implement the operation effectively while maintaining humanitarian standards for those in detention.
The move follows complaints about large numbers of Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants living in slums and working in menial jobs such as waste collection.
