The Hindu : National : Illegal migrants in Assam will not be harassed: Minister

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Saturday, Jul 16, 2005

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Illegal migrants in Assam will not be harassed: Minister

J. Venkatesan

GoM to discuss situation arising from quashing of Act

NEW DELHI: Union Law Minister H.R. Bhardwaj on Friday said illegal Bangladeshi migrants in Assam "will not be harassed" following the Supreme Court order striking down as unconstitutional the Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunal) Act, 1983.

Addressing a press conference, Mr. Bhardwaj said a Group of Ministers had been formed to deal with the situation after the quashing of the IMDT Act. "I have already spoken to the Chief Minister of Assam, Tarun Gogoi, and will hold talks with MPs, MLAs and all the parties concerned to amicably resolve the issue."

The Minister made it clear that the Centre would enforce the Foreigners Act in Assam. But "I assure that there will not be any harassment of any one, including Indian citizens. The Tribunals under the Foreigners Act will go into the issue in accordance with law." No drastic steps could be taken against illegal migrants as human rights was involved.

On amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code, the Minister said a delegation of lawyers led by president of the Madras High Court Advocates' Association S. Prabhakaran had given a representation expressing their apprehension over certain provisions. The Amendment Act, which received the President's assent on June 23, would not be notified till the objections from the lawyers were considered by the Government and steps taken to allay their fears.

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