Fencing work commenced along the India-Bangladesh border in the Phansidewa area of Siliguri subdivision on Friday, following the West Bengal government's transfer of 27 kilometers of land to the Border Security Force (BSF). Additional land was also allocated for Border Outposts (BOP) and BSF infrastructure. This development is expected to bolster security infrastructure and improve surveillance along the sensitive international border.
Residents express relief
Residents of the area expressed relief over the move, describing it as a long-awaited measure to address persistent security concerns. Anil Ghosh, a local resident, said, "This is a border area where there was no security before. The environment here was so horrific that I cannot describe it. Previously, we could not even raise cows here; raising cows was akin to surrendering ourselves to Bangladeshis and Rohingyas. This was a matter of security not only for West Bengal but for the entire country. Today, we feel safe thanks to the efforts of the new government and the new chief minister."
Another resident, Narayan Saha, noted that villagers were "relieved" and added that earlier demands for securing the border had been ignored. "We congratulate this government for the success and prosperity of our village. Living in a border area, we have been relieved of many hardships. We had asked for border fencing, but it was not done for some reason. Today, with Suvendu Adhikari taking over, the BSF has been given a free hand within 10 days. All of us villagers are filled with joy. We can sleep peacefully," Saha told ANI.
Shivam Modak, another resident, described the development as a matter of "national security" and welcomed the land transfer, saying it would improve safety in the border belt. "This is a matter of great joy. Previously, we felt very insecure due to the problem of animosity, as anyone could do anything at any time. This is a matter of national security. We had requested this many times, but were told that the previous state government was not providing land," Modak told ANI.
Government's role
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that the decision followed renewed coordination with central agencies after earlier delays in land allocation. He criticized the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, alleging it did not cooperate in providing land for fencing, which affected border security. He added that the decision taken in the first cabinet meeting set the transfer process in motion, with the land to be handed over to the Ministry of Home Affairs within 45 days, after which BSF fencing work would be completed.
