Chhattisgarh to Launch Statewide Crackdown on Illegal Immigrants, STF to Be Formed in Every District

RAIPUR: In a decisive move aimed at bolstering internal security, Chhattisgarhgovernment has announced a statewide campaign to identify and take action against Bangladeshi infiltrators, illegal immigrants, and individuals residing without valid documents.The campaign follows a resolution passed during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on April 28. Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma said that Special Task Forces (STFs) will be established in every district to carry out this mission. "This is a matter of national security. These unauthorized individuals not only violate civil rights but pose serious security risks," Sharma said in a statement. Sharma also warned that the crackdown will not be limited to immigrants alone. Strict action will be taken against individuals involved in creating fake documents or those aiding illegal migrants—such as contractors, scrap dealers, tent house operators, and garden workers—who facilitate such entries for minor profits. A circular from the Police Headquarters has instructed all district police chiefs to act on the directives issued by the central government. These include identifying and verifying all foreigners, especially Bangladeshi nationals, residing unlawfully within the state. Once identified, the process to expel such individuals from the state will be initiated, the circular notes. The government is also focusing on strict verification of documents like ration cards, Aadhaar, voter IDs, driver's licenses, and PAN cards. In areas where migrant laborers have been brought in by contractors, police have been told to conduct thorough verification to ensure no illegal immigrants are being employed or sheltered. Raipur Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Lal Umed Singh said that around 1,800 individuals, including two Muslims, are currently residing in the city on Pakistani visas, most of them belonging to the Hindu community. "All of them have been identified. Once we receive instructions from the Centre, appropriate action will be taken," Singh said. Those on Long-Term Visas (LTVs) are expected to apply for extensions in July. The campaign has not gone without criticism by the opposition Congress. Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel questioned the effectiveness of previous such initiatives. “How many were expelled during past campaigns? How many were even identified? These figures should be made public,” he said. Baghel also alleged that such narratives tend to resurface around election time, especially in border states like West Bengal, insinuating political motives behind the renewed focus. He also questioned the outcome of the police officers' door-to-door campaigns. As the campaign rolls out, all eyes are on how effectively the newly formed STFs will act on the ground.