Should CM Mamata Strengthen Policing in Cooch Behar Near the Bangladesh Border?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Increased policing in Cooch Behar is a priority for CM Mamata Banerjee.
- Concerns over NRC notices affecting local communities were raised.
- Coordination between state and other police forces is essential.
- Legislative actions against the new Waqf Act have been initiated.
Kolkata, Dec 8 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, on Monday, subtly warned the Border Security Force (BSF) to avoid exceeding their jurisdiction in regions such as Cooch Behar, which shares an international border with Bangladesh.
She also instructed the police department to adopt a more proactive approach in the border districts of the state.
"Cooch Behar is a district adjacent to Bangladesh. The police force must exercise heightened caution to maintain the law and order situation there. Any undue interference from external parties will not be accepted," the Chief Minister remarked during an administrative review meeting held in Cooch Behar on Monday.
During her address, she urged the Cooch Behar district police to remain vigilant regarding individuals from the Koch-Rajbanshi community who may receive National Register of Citizens (NRC) notices from tribunals in Assam.
"The Assam Government does not possess the authority to issue such notices to citizens of West Bengal. The Cooch Behar district police must be alert to ensure that when law enforcement from other states come here to apprehend individuals, they inform our state police in advance. We will not provide refuge to criminals, but we also will not allow innocent citizens to be wrongly treated as offenders," the Chief Minister asserted.
Additionally, CM Mamata Banerjee stated that there is a concerted effort to spread anti-state propaganda concerning the registration of Waqf properties on the national portal.
"It was not us, but the BJP-led Union Government that introduced the new Waqf Act. We have passed a resolution in the assembly opposing it and have also approached the Supreme Court regarding this matter. The case is ongoing," the Chief Minister concluded.