New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials across the state to begin a wide crackdown on illegal immigrants and prepare temporary holding centers in every district. The order highlights the government’s focus on law and order, security, and strict compliance. Officials said immigrants with foreign citizenship will be kept in these facilities until verification is completed. They added that deportation will follow after due procedure.
The directive instructs all district magistrates to identify illegal immigrants in their areas and act according to existing rules. It also outlines the creation of district level temporary detention centers, which will hold individuals during inquiry and verification. The state government said the initiative aims to prevent illegal activity and strengthen monitoring.
Congress leader Ajay Rai criticised the order. He said the move focuses on publicity rather than genuine enforcement. He questioned why the government issued the directive after several years in power.
Uttar Pradesh shares an open border with Nepal. This allows unrestricted movement for citizens from both countries. Residents from other nationalities face checks and screening. The order coincides with a nationwide SIR exercise across twelve states and union territories. The SIR process includes enumeration, verification, claims, objections, and release of the final electoral rolls on February 7, 2026. Opposition parties said the SIR exercise risks removing voters from underprivileged communities.
The move by the Uttar Pradesh government comes ahead of assembly elections in several states in 2026. Issues linked to immigration and demographic change often influence public debate in these regions. Analysts expect the decision to shape political messaging in Uttar Pradesh before the 2027 assembly elections.
