Bengal, Centre Arrive At Security 'Truce' After Nepal Violence
Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress and the BJP-led Centre are consistently at loggerheads.
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The Border Security Force deployment has been increased as part of enhanced security measures at the border.
Kolkata:
Despite their ongoing political rivalry, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress and the BJP-led Central government have established a rare security consensus. With the 2026 assembly elections approaching and political tensions normally intensifying, recent developments in Nepal have compelled both sides to collaborate on border security matters.
Bengal shares approximately 100 kilometers of border with Nepal, including the strategically vulnerable "chicken's neck" corridor in Siliguri.
While Nepal has been experiencing political turmoil with Generation Z protests, India has maintained heightened border vigilance even after Sushila Karki's interim government took office. The security measures implemented when the unrest began last week remain in place.
"On matters of national interest, there is no Trinamool-BJP division. We must prioritize national security concerns. We stand united on security issues," Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated.
During his latest state visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi notably refrained from referencing their political differences.
An unprecedented joint meeting of corps commanders was conducted at Fort William, the Eastern Command headquarters, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in attendance.
The strengthened border security includes additional Border Security Force personnel.
Military presence has been reinforced, surveillance increased, and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) is working alongside state police to monitor the Panitanki bridge connecting India and Nepal. Comprehensive intelligence sharing between state and central authorities is also occurring.
The state government's intelligence division regularly forwards its findings to the Prime Minister's Office and National Security Advisor.
State Police Chief Rajeev Kumar submits reports based on intelligence wing discoveries, while the Chief Secretary maintains communication with the Prime Minister's Office and Union Home Secretary.
Intelligence sources have reported Chinese currency circulating in Kathmandu markets, raising concerns about potential Chinese influence in Nepal.
Despite improved India-China bilateral relations following this month's SCO meeting, intelligence agencies remain vigilant, according to sources.
On Wednesday, Governor CV Ananda Bose visited the Nepal border despite the Chief Minister advising against it due to security concerns. When the Governor insisted on proceeding, Ms Banerjee arranged security through state police. Mr Bose inspected border fencing in the Phasidewa area and engaged with security personnel stationed there.