When Will the Bengal Government Complete the Land Handover to BSF?

Synopsis
The West Bengal government is proactively tackling the border crisis with Bangladesh by expediting the handover of 356 acres of land to the BSF, aiming to enhance border security through improved fencing. This strategic move comes amidst rising concerns about illegal infiltration and security threats from extremist groups.
Key Takeaways
- 356 acres of land being handed over to BSF.
- Focus on completing the fencing of unfenced areas.
- Increased illegal infiltration through these borders.
- Involvement of multiple districts in the land transfer process.
- Concerns about extremist groups attempting to infiltrate.
Kolkata, June 7 (NationPress) In response to the ongoing border situation with Bangladesh, the West Bengal government has initiated the swift handover of 356 acres of land to the Border Security Force (BSF). This action aims to enable the border protection agency to promptly commence the installation of barbed fencing in areas lacking proper barriers.
According to a senior state government official, directives have been issued by the state secretary from Nabanna to the district magistrates in the regions that share an international border with Bangladesh.
The districts instructed include Cooch Behar and Malda in North Bengal, along with Murshidabad, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, and Nadia in South Bengal.
A recent meeting involving top officials from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and their state counterparts catalyzed the state government’s expedited approach towards the land transfer, as confirmed by the official.
The Union government has already allocated funds for the acquisition of a total of 680 acres in various border districts of West Bengal. This land is essential for the BSF to construct barbed fencing and establish posts at currently unfenced border locations.
So far, 324 acres have been successfully handed over to the BSF, with efforts now focused on transferring the remaining 356 acres as swiftly as possible.
The presence of unfenced border sections has posed significant challenges for the BSF, particularly in recent years, as illegal crossings have surged. Intelligence reports from both central and state agencies have raised concerns about attempts by extremist groups from Bangladesh, including Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HUT), and Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), to infiltrate activists into West Bengal to establish sleeper cells in various bordering districts.