Infiltration, cross-border crimes spark tensions in N Bengal

The volatile geopolitical dynamics centering on North Bengal's "Chicken Neck" region have once again come into focus with fresh incidents involving five nations—India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar.

- MANAS R BANNERJEE

The volatile geopolitical dynamics centering on North Bengal's "Chicken Neck" region have once again come into focus with fresh incidents involving five nations—India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar. Amid mounting concerns over cross-border infiltration, alleged abductions, and fake identity documents, both political and community voices have intensified their demands for stronger border management and diplomatic intervention.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in North Bengal has announced a series of protests across districts, from Malda to Cooch Behar, as part of a state-wide agitation demanding the identification and deportation of alleged Pakistani nationals residing in West Bengal. This comes in response to a directive from the Union ministry of home affairs, which has asked state governments to locate and repatriate foreign nationals, particularly Pakistanis, illegally staying on Indian soil.