New Delhi. The Parliament’s Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs has described illegal infiltration from Bangladesh into India as still a matter of serious concern. The committee has suggested in its report that a permanent joint mechanism or Joint Task Force should be formed between the two countries, so that the process of confirmation of nationality of suspected Bangladeshi citizens and their repatriation can be completed in a more effective, transparent and timely manner. The committee believes that such a mechanism can play an important role in resolving pending cases.
According to the report, thousands of such cases are currently pending in which the nationality of suspects remains to be confirmed. The committee states that establishing a regular coordination mechanism between the two countries would expedite the resolution of these cases and facilitate a more smooth legal process. It also facilitates better coordination on border management and security issues.
The Committee emphasized that utmost care must be exercised during any proceedings to ensure that no Indian citizen is mistakenly treated as a foreign national and repatriated. The report stated that all persons in custody must be treated humanely, and due process of law and human rights must be fully observed in every case.
The report identifies border states like West Bengal and Assam as relatively more challenging to contain illegal infiltration. According to the committee, security in these border areas needs to be further strengthened. Effective control of illegal activities can be achieved by improving border surveillance, identification procedures, and administrative coordination.
The committee also expressed concern about certain trade-related issues. The report stated that some foreign products are accessing the Indian market through Bangladesh by taking advantage of trade concessions, which could adversely impact domestic industries. To address this situation, it recommended tightening trade rules and including necessary safeguard provisions in future trade agreements.
The committee also emphasized the need to strengthen cultural and people-to-people ties between the two countries. The report suggested further strengthening mutual trust through literature, art, film, youth exchanges, and cultural programs. Increasing the participation of border states could provide new impetus to people-to-people contact and cooperation between the two countries.
Regarding visa services, the Committee recommended that the visa regime between the two countries be normalised in a phased manner as the situation normalises, and that a mechanism be developed to ensure that genuine travellers, students, businessmen and other legitimate applicants do not face unnecessary difficulties.
The report also noted that while most of the India-Bangladesh border has been fenced, some areas remain to be fenced due to geographical conditions and riverine terrain. The committee emphasized the need to further strengthen border security infrastructure and enhance cooperation between the two countries to maintain a balance between security, trade, and bilateral relations.