Suvendu Adhikari Accuses West Bengal Government Of Hindering Border Security Efforts 'Despite Repeated Requests'

Leader of opposition in the West Bengal assembly, Suvendu Adhikari on Monday (30 December) accused the Mamata Banerjee government of obstructing land acquisition for constructing Border Outposts (BOPs) and fences along the Indo-Bangladesh border, thereby compromising national security.

Speaking at a press conference in Kolkata, Adhikari said, “The West Bengal government is obstructing the land acquisition process to build Border Outposts (BOPs) and fences to secure the border. While the central government is willing to bear all expenses, the state government is deliberately not providing the land.”

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader noted that 456.474 km of the border is feasible for fencing, but land acquisition cases remain unresolved for 284.56 km. He also highlighted delays in 17 land acquisition cases for BOPs and 11 key location plans required for headquarters.

Additionally, he raised concerns about 569.254 km of the border still being unsecured, with significant portions vulnerable to infiltration and smuggling. “In Bengal, 95 villages are situated ahead of fences, which are the source of infiltration and trans-border crimes. Despite repeated requests, the state government has not made any effort to shift any of these villages,” Adhikari stated.

Adhikari further claimed that cattle smuggling is rampant in the region, facilitated by 83 cattle markets located within 50 km of the border. “Despite many requests, no cattle haat have been shifted,” he said, adding that trans-border criminals often operate under the protection of the ruling party.

Responding to these allegations, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) dismissed them as “baseless.” A TMC spokesperson remarked, “The state government has provided all possible help to the BSF and other central agencies. Adhikari is trying to pin blame on the state government to divert attention from the failures of the central government.”

Adhikari also revealed that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has urged the West Bengal government to prevent the issuance of fake Aadhaar cards and suggested maintaining biometric data of apprehended infiltrators.