Bengal cabinet passes resolution to pay homage to armed forces
Times of India | 15 May 2025
123 Kolkata: The Bengal cabinet, chaired by CM Mamata Banerjee, passed a resolution on Wednesday to pay homage to the martyrs and show solidarity with the Indian armed forces during Operation Sindoor. The CM also announced that her party would hold rallies this weekend in every block and ward to pay respect to the jawans and extend condolences to the families of those who laid down their lives for the nation."We do not see this matter politically. Neither did I make any political statement, nor did I allow anyone from my party or govt to comment politically on this. But it is our responsibility to offer tribute to our brave soldiers who gave their lives for the nation. This rally will be held across the state, and we will pay our respects in every block and ward in urban areas, including Kolkata," Banerjee said at Nabanna.The April 22 Pahalgam attacks claimed the lives of three Bengal residents, two of them from Kolkata. "We express solidarity with our soldiers and congratulate them. We have taken a resolution regarding the same in the cabinet meeting as well," she said, adding that paying tribute to soldiers was the responsibility of every citizen. "If needed, we will visit their families (of martyrs) and offer our condolences," she said. Banerjee also reacted to the detention of an Indian near the international border in Cooch Behar recently. "One of our people was taken from the border, even though he was working on his own land. I will ask the chief secretary to discuss this matter with the appropriate authorities. We have identified those responsible. There are traitors among us," she said.When questioned further, the CM reacted sharply. "Please, I will not say anything on this. But there will be govt-to-govt talks. Please do not interfere. There are certain protocols and diplomatic issues involved. It is better if you do not create controversy over this. A lot can be done through calmness and coordination. Our job is to facilitate his return," she said."We have identified who handed him over. Who are these people? They are traitors from within, like Vibhishan. No political party has the right to determine who is a citizen and who is a foreigner. If he was not a citizen, how was he farming on the land?" Banerjee added.On April 16, farmer Ukil Burman was ploughing his field in a Cooch Behar close to the border when he was allegedly abducted by Bangladeshi miscreants. This followed BSF gunning down a cross-border smuggler just hours before, close to the area.