West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued a strong directive to law enforcement agencies during an administrative review meeting at Uttarkanya in Siliguri, the state’s administrative headquarters in North Bengal, on Wednesday stating no militant or anti-national element should be allowed to enter or take refuge in Bengal.
Addressing senior officials, including Superintendents of Police (SPs), Inspectors-in-Charge (ICs), and Officers-in-Charge (OCs) of North Bengal’s sensitive border districts, the chief minister emphasised the urgent need for increased vigilance. She instructed the police and local administration to closely monitor movement across border areas, stressing the growing threat of individuals entering from other states and collecting sensitive data under false pretenses.
"Some outsiders are coming and gathering details like Aadhaar and voter card information by misleading locals. This has happened to members of our own party too. Be careful— no militant should be able to sneak in and take shelter. Also, no one should fall into the trap of sharing their personal information with strangers," Mamata warned.
She added that several such cases have already been detected and dealt with in Jhargram, Malda, Cooch Behar, Kolkata and Diamond Harbour, where police have taken swift action.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the current state of policing, Mamata noted that law enforcement has grown lax. She urged officers to return to their earlier standards of community patrolling and public engagement.
"In the past, police used to patrol three or four times a day. Now, there's hardly any presence. With new challenges emerging due to technological advancement, harmful forces are on the rise. We must stay ahead by keeping our eyes and ears open," she said.
She added, “The more police vans move around, the more people will feel secure. It sends a message that the police are active and alert.”
Banerjee reiterated that north Bengal’s border areas are highly sensitive, not only because of their proximity to neighboring countries but also due to geopolitical dynamics. While acknowledging the role of the Border Security Force (BSF), she cautioned local police not to become complacent.
“Just because the BSF is present doesn't mean the police can sit idle. A few days ago, someone was picked up in Shitalkuchi and we had to intervene for bail after our local leadership informed me. Stay alert and maintain coordination with local clubs and community organisations. Keep grassroots vigilance alive,” she emphasised.
Touching on natural disaster preparedness, the Mamata compared Bengal to a vulnerable boat, highlighting the risks posed by heavy rainfall in neighboring states.
“If it rains in Sikkim, north Bengal could flood. If Jharkhand gets heavy rainfall, south Bengal sinks. Even water released from Bhutan’s dams can cause havoc here. We need to be prepared for the monsoon and ensure the administration is ready to help people.”
In her closing remarks, Mamata Banerjee took aim at the central government, accusing it of financial discrimination against Bengal. "Assam gets unequal funds. But we are ignored. I don't want to create bitterness, but this is the reality," she said, noting that Sikkim and Bhutan are already facing flood situations, urging officials to stay alert and responsive.
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