Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Omar Abdullah Questions Sudden Deportation Drive After 150 Flown Out
Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir flew about 150 people they described as alleged Bangladeshi nationals to Bagdogra in West Bengal.
The flight used an Indian Air Force aircraft.
One report says the people were handed to the Border Security Force to be returned to Dhaka, while another said deportation was planned for October 7.
Police sources said about 500 people, mostly from Bangladesh, had been detained in the wider operation.
Some were reportedly picked up during raids, and some worked in construction.
Omar Abdullah, Jammu and Kashmir’s chief minister, said the sudden action seemed strange.
He also said people cannot stay illegally, but argued that Rohingya people were being unfairly targeted.
The reports say the campaign followed a central committee visit focused on demographic changes.
Authorities flew about 150 alleged Bangladeshi nationals from Jammu and Kashmir to Bagdogra, West Bengal, on an Indian Air Force aircraft.
One report says the group was handed to the Border Security Force for repatriation to Dhaka; another described deportation as planned for October 7.
Police sources said about 500 people, mostly from Bangladesh, were detained in a recent identification drive and taken to a facility near Srinagar.
Officials said people were detained in separate incidents, including raids; some reportedly worked in construction and other manual jobs.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the action sudden and “a bit strange,” while saying people cannot stay illegally and criticizing the treatment of Rohingya.
- Who
- Jammu and Kashmir authorities; about 150 alleged Bangladeshi nationals; Chief Minister Omar Abdullah commented on the action.
- What
- Around 150 people were flown from Jammu and Kashmir to Bagdogra for reported handover and repatriation or deportation to Bangladesh.
- When
- The flight occurred on a Monday; Abdullah commented the following Tuesday. One report said October 7 was the planned date for deportation or another batch.
- Where
- From Jammu and Kashmir to Bagdogra airport in West Bengal; detainees were reportedly taken to a facility near Srinagar.
- Why
- Authorities said the people were identified as illegal immigrants through surveys and police action; Abdullah questioned the suddenness of the operation and criticized the targeting of Rohingya.
Authorities’ rationale
Omar Abdullah’s criticism
Removal of alleged illegal immigrants
Authorities’ rationale
Authorities described the people as illegal immigrants, said they were identified through surveys and police action, and proceeded with their transfer for repatriation or deportation.
Omar Abdullah’s criticism
Abdullah said people cannot stay illegally, but questioned why the action was sudden, saying their presence had not caused particular harm.
Treatment of Rohingya
Authorities’ rationale
The report describes government action against Rohingya in Jammu and says authorities had asked hundreds of families to demolish their shanties; no official justification for this measure is quoted.
Omar Abdullah’s criticism
Abdullah said Rohingya were being unfairly targeted and said they had been given refuge until conditions in their country improved.
- People flown to Bagdogra
- Around 150
- Detentions reported
- Around 500 people, mostly reported to be from Bangladesh
- Aircraft
- Indian Air Force aircraft
- Arrival airport
- Bagdogra, West Bengal
- Reported handover recipient
- Border Security Force
- Reported repatriation destination
- Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Further deportation action
- Another batch was scheduled for October 7, according to an official quoted in one report
- Omar Abdullah's response
- He called the sudden action “a bit strange” and said people cannot stay illegally
