West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has issued a stern directive to law enforcement and administrative officials in north Bengal, asking them to remain on high alert against cross-border terrorism and suspicious activities along the state's international borders with Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. Her remarks came during a high-level administrative review meeting conducted on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

Banerjee’s warning reflects heightened security concerns in the region following a recent incident involving a local farmer, Ukil Barman, from Sitalkuchi in the Cooch Behar district, who was allegedly abducted and taken to Bangladesh. Barman, who was farming his own land, was reportedly detained by Bangladesh’s Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) before being returned to India after intervention by West Bengal authorities.

Raising the Alarm Over Cross-Border Incidents

Mamata Banerjee strongly emphasized that such incidents underscore the vulnerabilities of West Bengal's international borders and the need for increased vigilance and prompt response from state authorities. “Border areas are very sensitive,” she remarked, cautioning officials not to depend solely on the Border Security Force (BSF) for maintaining law and order.

“Though BSF is deployed, the officers in charge (ICs) and officers commanding (OCs) of local police stations must remain alert and increase patrols,” Banerjee said during the meeting, reiterating the state police’s role in upholding internal security within the borders of India, irrespective of the BSF’s presence.

This push for heightened alertness comes amidst growing concerns about infiltration, illegal trafficking, smuggling, and terror-related activities that could exploit the porous border stretches in the region. The international border in north Bengal is known for being both lengthy and complex, touching multiple districts and nations, which increases the risk of cross-border crimes.

Incident in Sitalkuchi Highlights Security Gaps

The Sitalkuchi incident served as a direct example cited by the CM to justify the urgency of her appeal. The alleged abduction of a farmer by a foreign country’s border force and his subsequent return following administrative pressure was framed as an embarrassment that reveals security loopholes.

"Such things are happening in the border areas," Banerjee emphasized, suggesting that such incidents are not isolated and could become more frequent if local vigilance remains weak.

According to state officials, Ukil Barman, who was eventually released by the BGB, was picked up under unclear circumstances. His safe return was made possible only after swift diplomatic and administrative action, involving coordination with central authorities and possibly Indian consular contacts in Dhaka.

A Call for Greater Coordination Between Agencies

The CM’s statement also hints at a disconnect between central and state agencies when it comes to security operations in border areas. While the BSF falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) at the Centre, the state police remains the first responder in local criminal and administrative matters.

Banerjee’s remarks reflect a broader political undertone, possibly highlighting the need for greater federal coordination without relinquishing state autonomy over policing matters.

Moreover, with political tensions high between the Trinamool Congress and the central government, especially regarding the alleged politicization of federal agencies, her directive could also be read as an assertion of state authority in sensitive zones.

Focus on North Bengal’s Security Landscape

The districts of north Bengal—including Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, and North Dinajpur—are home to both geographical diversity and complex ethnic populations, often making the region more susceptible to unrest and external influence.

With a high density of border villages, vast forested areas, and remote terrain, these districts present unique challenges to policing. Cross-border movements, both legal and illegal, are frequent and are often exploited by smugglers and insurgents.

Security officials acknowledge that patrolling needs to be intensified, especially around unauthorized border entry points, and surveillance infrastructure must be modernized with drones, sensors, and night-vision cameras.

Political and Strategic Implications

Banerjee’s comments may also have strategic and electoral implications. With general elections looming in India and border security becoming a national narrative, her remarks could be aimed at asserting her government’s proactive stance on law and order.

At the same time, critics may argue that security on international borders is largely a central prerogative, and the BSF already maintains high alert levels, especially after periodic cross-border tensions.

However, Banerjee's administration believes that localized intelligence and quick action by state police can prevent incidents like unauthorized detentions, abductions, or terror intrusions from escalating.

Key Measures Expected Following the Review

While specific measures from the review meeting have not been officially released, sources indicate the following may be implemented:

• Deployment of additional state police forces in border-adjacent villages.

• Installation of border surveillance infrastructure, including CCTV cameras and mobile patrolling units.

• Coordination cells between local police and BSF for real-time communication.

• Awareness programs for villagers on how to report suspicious activity.

• Legal assistance mechanisms for cross-border dispute resolution involving civilians.

Conclusion

Mamata Banerjee’s strong warning serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between federal and state responsibilities when it comes to border security. Her remarks have reignited discussions on how best to secure India’s borders, especially in states like West Bengal which share long stretches with multiple countries.

The recent Sitalkuchi incident, coupled with the ongoing geopolitical tensions in South Asia, has made it imperative for the state to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to security lapses. With her clear call to action, Banerjee appears determined to ensure West Bengal remains secure, resilient, and alert in the face of transnational threats.

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