Siliguri, 29 December (H.S.) : Tensions along the India–Bangladesh border have begun to reflect on the ground in North Bengal, where hotel owners in four districts have decided to stop providing accommodation to Bangladeshi nationals. After Siliguri, Malda and Cooch Behar, hoteliers in Balurghat of South Dinajpur have also joined the move, putting up posters and notices announcing a complete denial of rooms to Bangladeshi citizens.

Hotel owners across these districts have maintained that the decision has been taken voluntarily and not under any external pressure. According to them, the step is aimed at safeguarding national honour. Several hotels in Balurghat have displayed posters clearly stating that Bangladeshi nationals will not be given rooms. Hoteliers say they are willing to bear financial losses if required, but compromising on the dignity of the country is not acceptable.

The decision has significantly increased the difficulties faced by Bangladeshi nationals visiting India, particularly those coming for medical treatment and other essential purposes. Many such visitors are reportedly struggling to find accommodation in Siliguri and Malda. Over the past three days, more than 10 Bangladeshi nationals have entered India, but the lack of hotel rooms in Siliguri has forced them to look for rented houses or temporary shelters. This situation has also raised security-related concerns in some quarters.

A senior official of the Siliguri Police Commissionerate said that people who have entered India through legal channels must have some place to stay. He described the situation as sensitive and said the police are closely monitoring developments.

In Cooch Behar, almost all hotels have put up notices at their reception counters declaring that rooms will not be provided to Bangladeshi nationals. Similar notices and flex banners have been seen at hotels in the border town of Changrabandha. Hotel owners there have said they do not wish to engage in any business with those who, according to them, are involved in creating an anti-India atmosphere.

The move has found support among sections of the local population in Balurghat. Officials said footfall at the Hili international land port in South Dinajpur has declined sharply, with around 100 people crossing the border daily. Balurghat city and its adjoining areas have around 22 small and large hotels, and owners of most establishments appear united in backing the decision.

The situation in Malda remains particularly grim. Several Bangladeshi visitors have been forced to spend time at railway stations or bus stands after failing to secure hotel accommodation, while waiting for transport to Kolkata or other states. The Malda Hotel Owners Association has said that hotels will reopen their doors to Bangladeshi nationals only after anti-India slogans stop across the border and a peaceful environment is restored.

Meanwhile, some Bangladeshi tourists waiting near the border expressed distress, saying ordinary citizens are not responsible for the political situation in their country. They said that despite entering India legally, the lack of accommodation has left them facing severe hardship.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh