Kolkata, 26 May (H.S.): Activity has intensified once again near the Hakimpur border area in North 24 Parganas district after the state government issued directives to set up “holding centres” in various districts. On Tuesday morning, a large number of suspected illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators were seen gathered with their belongings near a Border Security Force checkpoint.
According to eyewitnesses, several people carrying trolley bags, utensils and blankets were waiting to cross the border. Many of them were sitting in groups on plastic sheets while awaiting the start of the border-crossing process. On Monday as well, nearly 100 suspected Bangladeshi infiltrators were reportedly present at a temporary camp set up near the checkpoint, while another 30 to 40 people were waiting outside.
Recently, the new state government directed districts to establish holding centres for individuals detained on suspicion of being Bangladeshi infiltrators or Rohingyas. Following the announcement, movement among alleged illegal migrants returning to Bangladesh appears to have increased significantly.
A similar situation had emerged in October last year after the announcement of a special intensive revision of the electoral rolls. At that time, reports had surfaced that several illegal Bangladeshi nationals residing in areas such as New Town, Dum Dum and Dankuni were returning through the Hakimpur border route. The trend reportedly continued for nearly one-and-a-half to two months before gradually slowing down.
During that period, the then ruling Trinamool Congress had consistently maintained that there were no infiltrators in the state. Former Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee had also taken to the streets in protest against the special intensive revision process. The party had repeatedly opposed the exercise.
Meanwhile, a section of the Bharatiya Janata Party, which was then in the opposition and is now in power, has claimed that the Trinamool Congress’ stance had sent a reassuring message to illegal migrants. BJP leaders alleged that this was one of the reasons why the process of returning to Bangladesh gradually slowed down during that period.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey
