Mamata Banerjee Directs Vigilance in Border Districts, Warns Against Overreach and Anti-State Propaganda

Kolkata, Dec 2025 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday issued a stern warning to security forces against overstepping their jurisdiction in districts bordering Bangladesh, such as Cooch Behar, and called on the state police to be more proactive in maintaining law and order. Speaking at an administrative review meeting in Cooch Behar city, Banerjee emphasized that unnecessary interference in the district’s affairs would not be tolerated.

Highlighting the sensitive nature of border districts, the Chief Minister said, “Cooch Behar is a district bordering Bangladesh. The police administration must be extra vigilant to maintain law and order. Unnecessary interference in this matter will not be tolerated.” She instructed the Cooch Behar police to monitor National Register of Citizens (NRC) notices being issued by Assam tribunals to members of the Koch-Rajbongshi community, stressing that the Assam government has no authority to issue such notices to citizens of West Bengal.

Banerjee underscored that while the state would not shelter criminals, ordinary and innocent citizens should not be treated like offenders. “The Cooch Behar district police should ensure that if police forces from other states come to arrest our citizens, they inform the state police in advance. We will definitely not harbor criminals, but at the same time, we will not allow innocent people to be treated as criminals,” she said.

In addition to law and order concerns, the Chief Minister addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the registration of Waqf properties on the national portal. Banerjee clarified that the new Waqf Act was introduced by the BJP-led central government, not the West Bengal government. She noted that the state Assembly had passed a resolution against the Act and that the state government had approached the Supreme Court to challenge it. “Deliberate anti-state propaganda is being spread regarding the registration of Waqf properties. We have opposed the Act in the Assembly and filed a case in the Supreme Court. The matter is still ongoing,” Banerjee said.

The Chief Minister’s statements reflect the state government’s firm stance on safeguarding the rights of its citizens and ensuring administrative control in sensitive border areas. At the same time, her remarks serve as a warning against any perceived overreach by central agencies or security forces and aim to counter misinformation regarding state policies.

By directing the police to be vigilant and emphasizing procedural propriety, Mamata Banerjee highlighted the importance of both law enforcement and the protection of citizen rights in districts that share an international border, while also addressing broader political and administrative concerns.