The West Bengal Governor highlighted the significant challenge posed by radicalisation and militancy in border districts like Murshidabad and Malda, which share boundaries with Bangladesh. Intelligence agencies have repeatedly expressed worries about illegal immigration leading to demographic changes and alleged land takeovers in these areas. Illegal immigrants are reported to have financial resources from activities like cattle smuggling and narcotics trade, fueling concerns about criminal networks and terror modules.
Efforts to expand illegal madrasas and sustain terror activities have been flagged, with alleged attempts to increase illegal immigration by elements linked to Pakistan’s ISI. Suspicions arise regarding the involvement of groups like the Rohingya Solidarity Organisation and the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army in these operations. The Ansarullah Bangla Team is also active in the region, indicating a broader strategy to engage security agencies while preparing for potential strikes.
The alleged plan in West Bengal’s border areas encompasses various illicit activities, including smuggling, illegal immigration, counterfeiting, demographic changes, and establishing terror modules associated with the Ansarullah Bangla Team. Concerns extend beyond West Bengal, with fears that such elements might infiltrate Northeastern states like Assam to disrupt operations and strain India’s relations with Bangladesh.
Recent elections in Bangladesh have reportedly stabilized relations, with an emphasis on positive ties with India. However, the ISI is suspected of using networks in Murshidabad and Malda to disrupt this equation and activate terror networks in various regions across India. Authorities caution that the heightened activity in these districts should not be isolated to West Bengal but viewed in the context of potential disturbances in the Northeast, posing broader implications for national security.
