Wednesday, December 7 2005 14:26 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Government is seriously considering Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee recommendations to repeal the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA), now in force in North Eastern states, Minister of state for Home Affairs S Reghupathy informed the Rajya Sabha today (Dec 7,2005).

In a written reply, he said the report of the former Supreme Court Judge set up by the Ministry of Home Affairs to review the Act, 1958 as amended in 1972, was under examination.

Foreigners: The number of foreigners who were found to bestaying illegally in India as on 31st December, in the years 2002, 2003 and 2004 are 46,818, 46587 and 46,502 respectively, Rajya Sabha was informed today.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Sriprakash Jaiswal said in a written reply that instructions were issued to states/Union Territories from time to time to launch special drives to 'detect and deport' foreigners staying illegally in the country.

He said that the number of foreigners who were deported from India during the said years were 6,394, 20,768 and 39,189 respectively.

To another question on tackling terrorist violence in the country, Jaiswal said government will pursue a multi-dimensional approach to deal with terrorist activities and extend support to the states in neutralizing such terrorist activities.

The multi-pronged strategy gives primacy to dialogue, democratic, political processes and the rule of law, he said adding that in order to deal with such violence, Government has taken measures which include galvanizing of intelligence agencies, strengthening of border management, ensuring improved technology, weaponry and equipment for security forces, both at the Center and in the states.

Detenues: Government of Jammu and Kashmir ordered release of 44 detenues including seven women activists of Dukhtaran-e- Millat on the recommendation of the Joint Screening Committee which reviewed the cases of all detenues held under Jammmu and Kashmir Public Safety Act, 1978.

The review was conducted in pursuance of the meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the Hurriyat delegation held in Delhi on fifth September, 2005, he said.

Freedom fighters: A total of 3,113 pensions have been suspended and 1,599 pensions have been cancelled till 30th October, 2005, since the inception of the Central Scheme in 1972, Minister of state for Home Manikwao Holdya Gavit said.

Nepalese: India and Nepal have agreed to start a Pilot a Project at Rupaidiha (Baharaich in UP - Nepalganj in Nepal) checkpost for recording cross border movement of Nepalese and Indians through the border, Reghupathy said.