Jalpaiguri: North Bengal should be administered by Centre because of its proximity to China, junior Union minister for ports, shipping and waterways Shantanu Thakur said on Sunday.
At a programme organised by All India Matua Mahasangha in Jalpaiguri, Thakur said: “This region is of utmost importance as this is the only route to connect to northeast India.The Chicken’s Neck being only 22km wide with Nepal on one side and Bangladesh on the other, it demands a high level of vigil and protection. Hence, I would like Centre to administer the region, while keeping it an integral part of Bengal.”
“I don't know how this will be done, but it is the need of the hour. North Bengal needs special attention and everybody should support my view,” he added.
Doklam Valley, which witnessed a major standoff between the Indian Army and PLA, is very close to the Siliguri corridor.
Recently, junior Union minister Sukanta Majumdar had urged govt to make arrangements so that north Bengal could be included in the ministry of development of north eastern region.