Delhi LG VK Saxena Directs Crackdown On ‘Rising’ Illegal Immigrants And Encroachments, Announces Measures

Delhi LG VK Saxena ordered immediate action against the 'increasing' number of illegal immigrants in the capital, including verifying identity documents and conducting drives to identify immigrants.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena has taken cognisance of reports claiming a surge in the number of illegal immigrants in the capital. In response, the LG has directed authorities to ensure immediate remedial measures.

According to news agency ANI, the Principal Secretary to the LG has written to the Chief Secretary, the Police Commissioner, the Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and the Chairman of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC). The letter outlines specific instructions: “Chief Secretary may issue instructions to District Magistrates through Divisional Commissioner to exercise extra vigil in verification of people applying for identity documents. Separately, Commissioner Police may also issue instructions to field-level officials to be extra vigilant especially while undertaking inspections of squatters along roadside and on vacant Government land. Further, Delhi Police shall conduct a special drive for one month for identification of illegal immigrants and take further action in coordination with central agencies.”

Delhi LG VK Saxena On Illegal Immigrants And Their Encroachments

According to the communication, LG Saxena’s attention was drawn to reports from social media and other reliable sources about a "sudden spurt in the number of illegal immigrants in Delhi." Additionally, there has been an increase in encroachments by these individuals on public roads, footpaths, and parks. Reports also suggest that efforts are being made to obtain identity documents such as Aadhaar and Election Identity Cards through fraudulent means. These documents, once acquired, are being used to claim citizenship, the letter mentioned.

Highlighting the implications, the LG’s office stated: "Election Identity Card, if issued to illegal immigrants, provides them the most powerful right of democracy, i.e., the Right to Vote in our country. Giving such rights to illegal immigrants cannot be accepted by any Indian Citizen and such moves can even be detrimental to National security.”

The directive also emphasised the necessity for all government agencies to ensure compliance with the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s instructions regarding the prevention of unauthorised occupation of public spaces.