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The escalating tensions between the West Bengal government and the Border Security Force (BSF) have reached a critical point, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee leveling serious accusations against the force. Banerjee's claims, made during the year's first administrative meeting, paint a picture of systemic collusion between the BSF and the central government, allegedly facilitating illegal infiltration into West Bengal. This assertion, carrying significant political weight, has ignited a fierce debate about border security and the role of central agencies in state affairs. Banerjee's specific claims focus on the BSF's alleged complicity in allowing illegal crossings, particularly through vulnerable border regions like Islampur, Sitai, and Chopra. She contends that this infiltration isn't a random occurrence, but rather a calculated strategy orchestrated to destabilize her Trinamool Congress government. The alleged infiltration extends beyond the border itself, encompassing transportation methods such as buses, trains, and even planes, further highlighting the perceived scale of the operation.
The Chief Minister's accusations are grounded in what she describes as 'specific and important information' provided by the state's Director General of Police (DGP), Rajeev Kumar, supplemented by local intelligence. The gravity of the situation is underscored by Banerjee's declaration that she will personally write to the central government to address these concerns. The lack of transparency, according to Banerjee, is a significant issue. The state government's lack of access to passenger manifests, coupled with the alleged lack of cooperation from BSF, further fuels her claims of a deliberate attempt to obstruct state authorities. This alleged obstruction extends beyond simply allowing infiltration; Banerjee claims that the BSF is also failing to address the violent crimes allegedly committed by infiltrators, including attacks on women. This failure to act, she argues, suggests a tacit agreement, or 'adjustment,' between the BSF and those facilitating the illegal entry.
Banerjee's accusations also touch upon the broader political landscape, painting the alleged infiltration as a deliberate attempt by the central government to undermine her administration. This claim is further fueled by an additional allegation regarding Delhi Police activities in Dinhata, Cooch Behar. Banerjee alleges that Delhi Police officers are engaging in verification work without informing the state administration, a move she interprets as an infringement on state authority. She has directly addressed the Cooch Behar Superintendent of Police (SP), expressing her disapproval of the apparent collaboration between local police and the BSF, suggesting a lack of commitment to maintaining law and order in the region. The implication of this narrative is that the state's law enforcement agencies are being deliberately sidelined by the central government in favor of a separate, potentially biased, enforcement strategy.
The core of Banerjee's argument hinges on the perceived imbalance of power and a deliberate circumvention of state authorities. She insists on the need for maintaining peace across the border but firmly rejects the idea of tolerating any terror activities within the state. She differentiates between medical tourists from Bangladesh, whom she welcomes, and criminal elements, whom she alleges are being facilitated by the BSF. This highlights a critical point of contention: the claim is not about barring all entry from Bangladesh but rather about the alleged deliberate facilitation of criminal infiltration under the guise of national security. The consequences of this alleged collusion are far-reaching, potentially undermining state sovereignty, compromising internal security, and escalating political tensions between the state and central governments. The situation demands immediate and thorough investigation to unravel the truth behind these serious accusations.
Source: BSF colluding with Centre, allowing infiltration: CM