KOLKATA/SILIGURI: No terrorist should find refuge in Bengal, CM Mamata Banerjee warned cops on Wednesday, asking them to increase their visibility, especially in border areas.Banerjee, speaking at an administrative meet in Siliguri, spoke of the specially sensitive nature of North Bengal as it shared borders with multiple countries.
"Do not drop your guard because BSF is in charge.
Border areas are very sensitive. A Sitalkuchi farmer was picked up a few days ago (by Bangladeshi security personnel) though he was not at fault. We took immediate action, facilitated his bail and brought him back. You should be vigilant. Keep neighbourhood clubs involved," she told cops, advising them to be more vigilant and increase patrolling."Inimical forces are increasing.
So keep your eyes and ears open. Earlier cops used to patrol areas three to four times. Now they do not patrol at all," she chided cops, adding: "I will ask police to be alert. Make sure no terrorist from outside takes shelter here."
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The CM also stressed the need to fight fake news to maintain peace in border areas. "They have now started using fakes to increase TRP and earn money. I have seen pictures from Rajasthan and Bangladesh being shared here, trying to give the impression that the incidents happened in Bengal.
I saw some news on a digital platform last Monday; someone was threatening someone else and it was being glorified. This leads to provocation and disturbs peace in border areas.
Citizens and administrative officials are the biggest sufferers," she said.Outsiders seeking PAN, Aadhaar: CM Mamata BanerjeeThe CM also wanted district officials to pay special attention to the voter list verification process. “Some people have their names registered at three different places,” she said, stressing the need to clean the system. “I have heard outsiders from Assam and other states are entering Bengal. They are asking our supporters to give cell numbers, PAN and Aadhaar details,” she said, asking not to share these details with anyone other than officials. “Such people have been nabbed in Jhargram, Malda, Cooch Behar, Diamond Harbour and Kolkata,” she went on to add.
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