'Detention centres in every district': CM Yogi orders crackdown amid SIR; illegal immigrants in focus

NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has directed all district magistrates to take swift and stringent action against illegal immigrants.

Reiterating that law and order, national security, and social harmony remain his administration’s top priorities, he said no form of illegal activity would be tolerated.


“The chief minister has directed that each district administration ensure the identification of illegal immigrants living in their area and initiate action as per the rules,” the statement read,, according to news agency PTI.

“The chief minister has also directed that temporary detention centres be established in each district to house infiltrators,” it added.

As per the statement, illegal immigrants holding foreign citizenship will be kept in these centres until the required verification process is completed.

Adityanath said those held in the detention facilities will be deported to their countries of origin following established procedures.

Uttar Pradesh shares an open border with Nepal, allowing unrestricted movement for citizens of both countries, while individuals of other nationalities are subject to checks.

This comes at a time when a nationwide SIR is being carried out in 12 states and union territories, including Uttar Pradesh, with the final elector's list to be published on February 7, 2026.

These states and UTs are: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

According to the Election Commission, printing and training took place from October 28 to November 3, followed by an Enumeration Phase from November 4 to December 4.

The draft electoral rolls will be published on December 9, followed by a claims and objections period from December 9 to January 8, 2026. The Notice Phase (for hearing and verification) will take place between December 9 and January 31, 2026, with publication of Final Electoral Rolls on February 7, 2026.

The opposition has strongly opposed the SIR process, alleging that it is aimed at striking the names of voters from underprivileged communities off the voter lists.
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