<h1>Bangladeshi migrants self-deport at Hakimpur border amid SIR verification fears over irregular entry and 2002 linkage rule</h1> Bangladeshi nationals lacking valid Indian documentation are voluntarily presenting themselves at the Hakimpur border outpost in West Bengal for repatriation amid an ongoing SIR (Status Identity and Residency) verification exercise. Over 60 individuals gathered with luggage, many admitting they had entered India irregularly and obtained Indian identity documents they fear will not satisfy SIR requirements, including a '2002 linkage' criterion. Border authorities describe the process as 'self-deportation,' with the BSF verifying nationality, coordinating with Bangladeshi officials, and facilitating formal handover in compliance with cross-border and immigration protocols. The governor's recent visit prompted temporary quiet at the border, but the flow of returnees has since resumed.