New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has warned police to ensure that no terrorist can take shelter in the state. CM Banerjee, who is also the state’s police minister, issued the warning to both police and administration at an administrative meeting in Siliguri’s Uttarkanya, the building which houses the temporary State Secretariat for North Bengal Development Department of West Bengal. She ordered police to keep a close watch, especially on the border areas.
In the administrative meeting, the Chief Minister asked the SPs, ICs and OCs of the border districts of North Bengal to be vigilant. She also warned the local residents to keep an eye out for anyone who seems suspicious. Mamata said that some people from other states are entering Bengal and taking the personal information of the locals to live in disguise.
She said, “Many people are entering from outside and taking the Voter Card and Aadhaar Card information of the local people. It has happened to many people in our party (Trinamool Congress) also. We have to be careful that no militant from outside can take shelter. Again, no one here can steal information by lying to people.” CM Banerjee added, “No one should be quick to give any details to anyone. Check to see if anyone is ‘authentic’. Such (miscreants) have also been caught. Police have taken action in Jhargram, Malda, Cooch Behar, Kolkata and Diamond Harbour.”
Mamata Banerjee has asked the police to be more active and vigilant. She said that the police are not being as active as before. She said, “In the age of scientific advancement, people are moving forward. Such harmful forces are also increasing, which were not there before. Hence, everyone has to keep their eyes and ears open. Earlier, the police used to check an area three or four times. Now they don’t go around at all.” She added, “The more police vans go around, the more people will know that the police are alert.”
The Chief Minister said that the border area of North Bengal is sensitive. Therefore, the police must be careful. She said, “Just because the BSF is in charge, don’t sit on your own (towards the police). Just a few days ago, a person was taken away from Shitalkuchi. After Udayan (Guha) informed me, we got him out on bail. So don’t sit around saying BSF is in charge. Maintain a good rapport with the clubs in your neighbourhood. I have told the police this.” She added, “West Bengal is like a boat. When it rains in Sikkim, North Bengal sinks. When it rains in Jharkhand, South Bengal sinks. Even when water is released from the dams of Bhutan, there is a flood.”
After this, Mamata complained about the Centre’s deprivation and said, “Assam gets money, but we don’t. If we talk too much, the bitterness will increase. I don’t want to talk about the bitterness. There are already floods in Sikkim and Bhutan. Be careful. You have to be by the side of the people. Prepare for the monsoon work.”
