'Our job is to bring him back from Bangladesh': CM Mamata Banerjee amid farmer's abduction row
Times of India | 15 May 2025
KOLKATA: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday refrained from commenting on the alleged abduction of a farmer from Cooch Behar by a group of Bangladeshi nationals, stating that the matter was diplomatic in nature and should be addressed through discussions between the governments of India and Bangladesh.Asserting that the "primary job is to bring him back," Banerjee directed chief secretary Manoj Pant to talk to the department concerned."One person was abducted from the bordering area when he was farming on his land. I do not want to talk about this matter. Talks will be held between the two governments. It would be better if you (the media) did not create a controversy. Our job is to bring him back," Banerjee said. The family of Ukil Barman, a 50-year-old agriculturist from Sitalkuchi in Cooch Behar district, stated that Bangladeshi nationals kidnapped him on April 16.Officials reported that the alleged kidnapping occurred shortly after BSF personnel fatally shot a Bangladeshi smuggler who attempted to enter Sitalkuchi in Cooch Behar district with his associates.Subsequently, the smuggler's remains were transferred to Bangladesh authorities.In response to this incident, a separate group allegedly captured Ukil Barman whilst he was tending to his agricultural land and forcibly transported him across the international boundary.Banerjee, without specifying any political organisation, claimed that local activists deliberately facilitated the farmer's transfer to the Bangladeshis, adding that several perpetrators have been recognised."We have identified some of those who were behind this. Ghorer shotru Bibhishan (a disguised enemy in one's own house). No political party has the right to label anyone, either as a citizen or a foreigner. If he was not a citizen, then how was he farming the land? He was picked up from his land," she said. "You can solve many problems by keeping calm. Our job is to bring him back," she said. Former president of TMC Cooch Behar district Partha Pratim Roy said senior government officials were trying their level best to bring Barman back. "It's been almost a month since Barman was abducted. Family members are worried. We have information that he is in a jail in Bangladesh. Senior officials of the government are looking into the matter. We are hoping for the best," Roy said.