Lok Sabha Debates
Need To Strengthen Security At Bangladesh Border Particularly In West Bengal. on 18 August, 2005
> Title : Need to strengthen security at Bangladesh Border particularly in West Bengal.
SHRI GURUDAS DASGUPTA (PANSKURA): Yesterday, there have been 400 blasts in 62 out of 63 districts of our neighbouring country, Bangladesh. People have been killed and a very large number of people have been injured. The incidents are indicative of the emergence of fundamentalist terrorism in our neighbouring State.
MR. SPEAKER: We should not comment on some other country. We are a friendly country. We should not go into their internal matters.
SHRI GURUDAS DASGUPTA : I am not commenting on that. I am only saying what the Government has said about Bangladesh. It is indicative of emergence of fundamentalist terrorist forces there. It is a matter of grave concern to us and definitely it is a matter of grave concern to Bangladesh also because we have a very long land frontier with Bangladesh. There has been a complaint that there are a number of training camps across the border which have been overlooked by the Government there; it is for them to inquire[R27] .
What is my concern? My concern is that there may be infiltration of fundamentalist terrorists into India through West Bengal and Tripura. We feel extremely alarmed because we are coming from that State. The Government of that State has also expressed alarm. Political Parties are also alarmed. The immediate question is, the border needs to be well protected and for protecting the border, there needs to be adequate number, adequate contingent of security personnel provided by the Government of India.
I have a very small but a very important complaint. All that has been requested all along is that the Indo-Bangladesh border should be well protected. The Government of India is not providing the adequate personnel to do it. After all that has happened there, we are all encircled by terrorists' activity. Only a few days back, we had seen what happened in Sri Lanka. We know what is happening in Pakistan? Therefore, I appeal to the Government of India to take note of what has happened yesterday in Bangladesh, draw a proper lesson and ensure that terrorists' camps are abolished and border of India with Bangladesh along West Bengal and Tripura is well protected and necessary contingent of security forces are immediately sent there.
MR. SPEAKER: Shri Prabodh Panda wants to associate with this.
PROF. VIJAY KUMAR MALHOTRA : Sir, it is a serious matter. We want to associate with this matter.
MR. SPEAKER: All the names, S/Shri Prabodh Panda, Lakshman Seth and Ramchandra Dome, who want to associate with this, will be recorded.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI GURUDAS DASGUPTA : Sir, you may at least convey our feelings to the Government.
MR. SPEAKER: The Government is here.
… (Interruptions)
DR. RAM CHANDRA DOME (BIRBHUM): Sir, the Government should react..
MR. SPEAKER: There is no scope for the Government to make a statement now. This is an important issue. We are all concerned about the security of our border. I am sure the Government takes note of it.
… (Interruptions)
DR. RAM CHANDRA DOME : Sir, let the Government respond.
MR. SPEAKER: He is enough troubled with the Parliamentary work. Do not add troubles for him.
SHRI GURUDAS DASGUPTA : Sir, at least convey our feelings to the Government.
MR. SPEAKER: Do you want to respond?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI BIJOY HANDIQUE): Sir, this is a matter of a foreign country.… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: It is a matter of vital importance and that is why I have allowed it to be raised here. It is the Government's duty to take note of it.