Mamata Claims BSF Is Facilitating Infiltration Into India to Destabilize Bengal

KOLKATA, Jan 2: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Border Security Force (BSF) on Thursday of facilitating the entry of infiltrators from Bangladesh into India, alleging that the BSF is attempting to undermine the state’s stability.
Expressing her belief that there is a “blueprint from the central government” behind the BSF’s actions, Banerjee also implicated some district magistrates and superintendents of police in aiding these unlawful activities.
“We have received reports that the BSF is permitting infiltrators to cross into India through areas like Islampur, Sitai, and Chopra. Moreover, the BSF is reportedly mistreating women and attempting to destabilize the state,” she said during an administrative review meeting at the state secretariat, ‘Nabanna’.
“Border security is not our responsibility; it is the duty of the BSF. Visa management falls under the central government’s authority. Previously, we received a list of individuals arriving by air, but this practice has ceased, leaving us unaware of who is entering the state,” she added.
The Trinamool Congress leader suggested that there is a conspiracy aimed at blaming the TMC for the infiltration issue.
“If anyone aims to destabilize the state and attributes it to the Trinamool Congress, I want to clarify that these borders are managed by the BSF, not the TMC. Certain media outlets are also propagating this narrative for their ratings,” she said.
Banerjee further alleged that criminals have been crossing into the state, committing murders, and fleeing back to their origins.
“This is a deeply rooted plot orchestrated by the BSF, and it reflects a strategy from the central government. Without such a blueprint, these events would not transpire,” she asserted.
Highlighting the amicable ties between West Bengal and Bangladesh, Banerjee expressed her desire for people to cross the border for medical assistance, emphasizing the importance of peace on both sides of the frontier.
“There are no hostile relations between the two Bengals (West Bengal and Bangladesh). We share a common language and cultural lifestyle. Individuals from across the border can seek treatment here, but we must be informed beforehand,” she stated.
The Chief Minister reiterated that she has conveyed to the Centre multiple times that she is willing to comply with any decisions regarding the situation in Bangladesh.
“However, if I perceive that individuals are facilitating terrorism to disrupt my state, we will have to object.” Banerjee indicated that she plans to send a formal letter of protest to the Centre regarding this matter.
“Why have you (DMs and SPs) not protested against the BSF’s actions? I will instruct DGP Rajeev Kumar to investigate how and where these infiltrators are entering the state. The police are aware of such infiltrations, yet a segment of the DMs and SPs has not provided us with essential information,” Banerjee stated.
The Bengal CM directed the DGP to prepare a comprehensive report, as she intends to send a letter of protest to the Centre.
“Rajeev Kumar has shared some information along with input from locals, but I need detailed insights to understand the situation better. I will be drafting a strong communication to the Centre. My goal is to ensure peace on both sides of the border,” she concluded. (Agencies)