[Assam] Govt circular on detection of aliens

[Manoj Das]

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*Govt circular on detection of aliens-AT
*By Ron Duarah
 DIBRUGARH, June 17 – In a major political development in the State, the
government has made detection of illegal foreigners a step easier. After the
Supreme Court ordered repeal of the IM(DT) Act, the latest government
circular is sure to make detection of illegal foreigners a little easier.

According to a circular issued by the Joint Secretary to the Government of
Asom, Home department, the police have been empowered to pray for a month's
detention of suspected foreigners, so that the addresses they claim to be
from can be officially verified.

It is common knowledge that suspected foreigners in the upper Asom districts
often claim to be from one of the lower Asom districts. By the time the
police find out about the claimed addresses, most of the suspected
foreigners become untraceable in the places where their identities have been
questioned.

Circular no. PLB.181/98/334 dated June 2, 2006, issued by the government and
addressed to all deputy commissioners and superintendents of police of Asom
has stated that a suspected illegal foreigner may be detained upto a month,
during which his/her identity is officially verified. Of course, the
detention would be possible only after due permission has been taken from a
Judicial Officer.

However, sources in police circles say that the development is an effective
step to fish out illegal foreigners. Once the claimed address by such a
person is found to be false, the person would face immediate deportation.
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