Internal security concerns trigger NSA Ajit Doval's air-dash to Bengal

The state has previously been identified as ISI's route to India from Bangladesh on multiple occasions.

- SUPROTIM MUKHERJEE

Enhanced threat perception and the growth in subversive activities in West Bengal and neighbouring Bangladesh following the fall of the Hasina government, which could have far-ranging after-effects across India, prompted National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval to make a hush-hush trip to Kolkata last weekend.

The threats mainly range from sleeper cells of Maoists and extremist Islamist groups which may already be using West Bengal as a safe haven and as a transit point to further their subversive agenda.

Sources said that NSA Ajit Doval held back-to-back meetings with high-ranking intelligence officials and discussed issues ranging from Pakistan's spying agency ISI's growing activities in neighbouring Bangladesh and possibility of fugitive Maoist leaders' presence in West Bengal. These intelligence officials are posted in all eastern and northeastern states.

Intelligence networks have been told to be made more vigilant in the districts of Birbhum, Malda, Murshidabad and South 24-Parganas which have a large number of unrecognised madrasas which may provide support to such subversive elements.

During his meetings, NSA Doval asked the intelligence chiefs to be vigilant and detect those who may be providing logistics and financial support to the subversive elements. He also emphasised the need for continuous monitoring of these subversive elements and to keep a sharp eye on the infiltration data.