Bangladesh violence: West Bengal will take in refugees, says Mamata Banerjee
Times of India | 22 July 2024
KOLKATA: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday said her govt would provide shelter to people from violence-hit Bangladesh and will not turn anyone away "if they come knocking on our doors".
"I cannot make any comments on the situation in Bangladesh as it is another country and only the Indian govt has the right to speak about it. But if helpless people (from Bangladesh) knock on Bengal's doors, we will give them shelter.There is a resolution of the United Nations to respect refugees from neighbouring nations. There was once a conflict with the Bodos in Assam. Refugees stayed in Alipurduar for a long time. I also went to meet them," she said.
The CM brought up the topic of Bangladesh at the very end of her speech. She assured of all possible assistance to anyone from Bengal or their relatives who may have got stranded in Bangladesh. "If someone has gone to Bangladesh for studies or for medical treatment and is stuck there, we are here to help in any way needed," she said.
The CM also warned the people of this side of the border about the situation in Bangladesh. She said, "No one should fall into any provocation regarding Bangladesh. No tension should be created. I have sympathy for the situation there. Young students are losing their lives. We are keeping track of the situation."
Banerjee later posted on X: "Hundreds of students and others are returning to West Bengal/ India, from the trouble-torn Bangladesh. I have asked our State administration to render all help and assistance to the returnees. For instance, around 300 students arrived at Hilli border today and most of them left for their respective destinations safely: 35 of them, however, needed help and we provided them with basic amenities and facilitation assistance. United we stand!"