West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said her government was taking steps to ensure the safe return of people from the state who are stranded in Nepal.

Speaking in Jalpaiguri, the chief minister assured that an initiative has been launched to bring everyone back within a day or two and urged people to remain calm and avoid taking risks.

” There is a problem in our neighboring country… I want peace to be restored. I sat and monitored the situation all night yesterday (Tuesday),” the chief minister said, adding, “You can sleep peacefully, we can take care of it”.

She expressed deep concern over turmoil in neighbouring Nepal, and strongly condemned the killing of a former prime minister’s wife, who was allegedly burnt alive.

Banerjee said West Bengal has always stood for humanity and compassion and urged people not to allow violence and political opportunism to destroy lives. “Let our neighbouring country remain well. West Bengal gives birth to humanity and compassion. Burning a living person and celebrating it is not humanity.

“People may have grievances against one another, but it should not result in cruelty and atrocities,” Banerjee told reporters at Uttarkanya.

The chief minister held a high-level meeting with police officials upon her arrival in North Bengal. Later, Inspector General (North Bengal) Rajesh Kumar Yadav and Darjeeling Superintendent of Police Praveen Prakash met with SSB 41 Battalion Commandant Yogesh Kumar Singh to discuss border security.
Given the proximity of North Bengal to Nepal, the state administration has issued a warning to all police stations along the border.

The West Bengal Police has established a dedicated helpline for tourists needing assistance. People requiring help to return to India through the Panitanki or Pashupati check-posts in Darjeeling district can contact the following numbers: Mobile/WhatsApp: 9147889078, Landline: 0354-2252057
Darjeeling Superintendent of Police Praveen Prakash stated that “naka search” (checkpoint search) is being conducted at the border. “The administration is maintaining contact with the Nepal Police, and the SSB is also on high alert. Anyone facing issues in Nepal can contact the Darjeeling District Police helpline for assistance,” Prakash said.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose also visited the India-Nepal bordering areas of Panitanki on Wednesday as part of his North Bengal tour. The border is under strict surveillance, with the SSB working in coordination with state police to monitor the bridge connecting Nepal and Indian at Panitanki.

The Governor visited the Phansidewa area on the border and saw first-hand some portion of the border fencing work. He interacted with the BSF and SSB personnel. “The border areas that the Governor visited were peaceful,” a Raj Bhavan official said.