'Be alert against terrorists': Mamata Banerjee cautions police

IANS May 21, 2025 297 views

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has raised serious concerns about potential terrorist infiltration through the state's international borders. She specifically warned police about the risk of outsiders collecting local residents' identity documents and potentially using them for malicious purposes. Banerjee emphasized the need for constant vigilance, especially in border villages near Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. Her directive includes increased patrolling, involvement of local clubs, and heightened awareness among residents about protecting their personal identification papers.

"People from outside are coming indiscriminately, and they are collecting information about AADHAR and EPIC cards" - Mamata Banerjee
Kolkata, May 21: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on Wednesday, directed the state police to be on high alert to prevent possible events of cross-border terrorists taking shelter in the villages that are close to international borders.

Key Points

1

Mamata warns about terrorist infiltration from Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan

2

Police directed to increase border surveillance

3

Local clubs to assist in monitoring sensitive areas

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Identity document theft flagged as major concern

West Bengal has international borders with three foreign nations, namely Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan.

"People from outside are coming indiscriminately, and they are collecting information about AADHAR and EPIC cards of local residents. This happened with many who are associated with our party. So you have to be alert so that terrorists coming from across the borders cannot take shelter here. You will also have to be careful so that you do not get trapped and hand over your identity documents to anyone," the Chief Minister said while addressing an administrative review meeting at Siliguri of Darjeeling district, located in the northern sector of West Bengal.

She also said that there had been instances at places like Jhargram, Malda, Cooch Behar and Diamond Harbour among others where miscreants have duped local people and taken away their identity documents.

"Police have taken necessary actions in such cases. But common people will also have to be careful so that identity documents are not handed over without cross-checking the authenticity of the persons on the other side," the Chief Minister said.

She also directed the police forces to conduct regular patrolling at the respective places under their jurisdiction, especially at the sensitive pockets.

"The more the patrolling is done, the more people will feel relieved, realising that the police are on alert," the Chief Minister said.

Stating that the international borders in North Bengal are sensitive, the Chief Minister alerted that the police stations in the bordering villages should not relax, thinking that the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel are there at the borders.

She also directed the police to involve the local clubs for better surveillance purposes.

The Chief Minister further accused the Union government of discriminating against West Bengal in granting flood relief funds.

"South Bengal gets floods because of excessive rainfall in neighbouring Jharkhand, and North Bengal gets flooded because of rainfall in Sikkim. West Bengal is also affected because of the release of water from the barrages in Bhutan. Funny thing is that Assam gets central funds for flood relief. But West Bengal is deprived of that," the Chief Minister said.

Reader Comments

A
Arjun M.
This is a serious issue! Our border villages in Bengal have always been vulnerable. Glad Didi is taking action but I hope this isn't just political talk before elections. Security should be above politics 🇮🇳
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Priya K.
As someone from Siliguri, I've seen how easily people move across borders here. The AADHAR card scam is real - my cousin was approached last month! Police need to work with BSF properly, not blame each other.
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Rahul S.
Why always blame Bangladesh? Nepal border is equally porous. I've travelled there - no proper checks at many points. And the flood funds issue she raised is valid - North Bengal suffers every year 😔
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Sunita G.
Good step but implementation is key! Local clubs can help but they shouldn't turn into vigilante groups. Police need proper training to handle border security sensitively. Also, public awareness camps about document safety would help!
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Vikram D.
While security is important, we must not harass genuine people from border areas. Many have families on both sides. Balance is needed - strict against terrorists but humane with ordinary folks visiting relatives.
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Neha T.
The flood relief discrimination charge is concerning if true. Natural disasters don't see state borders! Centre should clarify why Bengal isn't getting funds when neighboring states are. This affects common people's lives 💧

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Tags:
Mamata Banerjee West Bengal Police Border Security Terrorism Cross-Border Infiltration Siliguri