Governor visits Hakimpur border amid row over ‘intrusion’ claims
The Statesman | 25 November 2025
Amid rising political friction over alleged cross-border intrusion and unrest linked to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Monday visited the Hakimpur border in North 24-Parganas to take stock of the ground situation.
The Governor said the purpose of his visit was to conduct a “reality check” following conflicting claims circulating in the past week. “I have heard that a large number of people have gathered along the border. Various interpretations are doing the rounds. I have come here personally to verify the reality,” Mr Bose told reporters during his visit to the border outpost.
Hakimpur has recently been at the centre of controversy after reports surfaced that nearly 200 people with bags were seen sitting along one side of the international border, fuelling speculation that they were ‘intruders’ attempting to enter the state. Local residents, however, dismissed the suggestion, calling it rumour-mongering. Protests by villagers erupted last week demanding action against those circulating what they described as “false and inflammatory information”. With the district administration and BSF on alert, the Governor’s visit to the border area assumes significance.
According to Raj Bhavan sources, Mr Bose will hold a late-evening meeting with BSF officers, civil administration officials and police personnel to review security protocols, smuggling activities, and infiltration-related concerns. He is also scheduled to interact with residents to understand their apprehensions. Later tonight, the Governor will halt at Krishnanagar in Nadia district, where he is expected to meet senior district officials to assess preparations in vulnerable zones.
On Tuesday, Mr Bose will proceed to Murshidabad to inspect other stretches of the border and interact with stakeholders, including local community representatives and security officials. Raj Bhavan officials said the Governor will also review the situation arising from reports of an exodus in certain border pockets triggered by fear and confusion related to the ongoing nationwide SIR exercise.