Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday welcomed the West Bengal cabinet's decision to hand over land to the Border Security Force (BSF) for fencing the India-Bangladesh border, describing it as a 'historic step' that is crucial for the security of Assam and the entire northeastern region.
Importance of Border Vigilance
Addressing the media, Sarma emphasized that strict vigilance and closure of the border were essential to curb infiltration. 'Our fight against infiltration always faced a problem because there was a huge gap in fencing between Bangladesh and West Bengal,' he stated. Sarma noted that while many organizations in Assam have long demanded sealing of the border within the state, such efforts would be incomplete without similar measures in West Bengal.
Shared Border Responsibility
Five states share the India-Bangladesh border: Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, Assam, and West Bengal. Among these, Assam has the smallest stretch, while West Bengal has the longest. 'Unless Bengal secures its border, the northeast will remain vulnerable,' Sarma warned. The West Bengal cabinet's decision on Monday will allow the BSF to take possession of land within 45 days to erect fencing along an 800-kilometer stretch.
Reaction from Assam
'This is very heartening news for the people of Assam because we are fighting infiltration, and this cannot be stopped without a nationalist government in West Bengal,' Sarma said. He added that the decision was 'historic' and would reassure people across Assam and the wider region. 'This decision of the West Bengal cabinet is very welcoming news for the people of Assam and the northeast,' he concluded.
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About the Author
Prabin Kalita is a journalist at The Times of India and is currently the Chief of Bureau (northeast). He has been reporting in mainstream Indian national media since 2001. He has been a field journalist covering a gamut of issues from India's northeastern region and major developments in neighboring countries like Myanmar, China, Bhutan, and Bangladesh concerning India and the northeastern region. He has covered insurgency—internal and cross-border, politics, natural calamities, environment, and more. He holds a post-graduate degree in Geological Sciences from Gauhati University.
