Kolkata, 01 April (H.S.): Milind Parande, All-India Organising Secretary of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), on Wednesday expressed concern over the prevailing situation in West Bengal and appealed to Hindu voters to exercise their franchise without fear.

Speaking on the sidelines of an organisational programme, Parande said that during his visits to different states he observed that polling processes were being conducted peacefully in many parts of the country, but described the situation in Bengal as “worrying”.

He alleged that illegal infiltration from Bangladesh and Myanmar was increasing, which he claimed posed a serious threat to national security. He stressed the need for strengthening security arrangements in the border areas.

Parande further stated that central agencies had sought land for strengthening border security infrastructure and emphasised the need for expeditious action on the matter.

Referring to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, he said the exercise was being conducted in accordance with the directions of the Supreme Court of India and added that the Election Commission of India, the Supreme Court and the High Court were functioning in a neutral manner. He also thanked the institutions concerned for their role.

Appealing to the Bengali Hindu community, he said that voting is the most important democratic right and urged people to participate in the democratic process without fear. He added that conscious voting was essential in the interest of national security, culture and the country’s future.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh