Mamata Banerjee alleges BSF letting 'Bangladeshi terrorists' enter Bengal

Calling it the 'blueprint' of central government, Mamata Banerjee alleged that the BSF was allowing 'Bangladeshi terrorists' to cross the border to create instability in West Bengal

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday alleged that the Centre, through the Border Security Force (BSF), was allowing "Bangladeshi terrorists" to cross the border to create instability in the state.

 

Speaking to the media, the Trinamool Congress chief said, "People are entering through BSF Islampur, through Sitai, through Chopra, we have news.  Why are you not protesting?  The border is in the hands of the BSF. If anyone thinks that they are intruding into Bengal and maligning the Trinamool, let them be warned that the Trinamool Congress does not do these things.  Don't abuse Trinamool by supporting the wrongdoings of BSF."

 

Calling it the "blueprint" of the central government, Mamata Banerjee said, "I have told the central government time and again that whatever you will do, we will agree with that. If I see someone helping terrorists to affect my state, in that case we will have to protest." 

Mamata Banerjee's comments during an administrative meeting come just weeks after Union Home Minister Amit Shah claimed that "infiltration from Bangladesh" was disturbing Bengal's peace. The 4,096-kilometer-long India-Bangladesh border, much of which is porous and interspersed with rivers, adds complexity to the issue. 

 

Banerjee further declared that she would instruct the Director General of Police (DGP) to probe and identify the areas where the BSF was accused of aiding infiltration.

 

"The police and the Centre are aware of the situation. I have received reports from DGP Rajiv Kumar and local sources. I will write a strongly-worded letter to the Centre on this issue," Banerjee said.

 

Emphasising that she was committed to maintaining peace in Bengal and neighboring Bangladesh, she quipped: "We hold no hostility, but miscreants are being allowed entry here. They commit crimes and then retreat across the border. The BSF is complicit, and the Centre cannot absolve itself of responsibility."

 

Banerjee has also issued a stern warning to the Centre and cautioned it not to try and instigate terror activities in Bengal, hinting at potential protests if such efforts were made.