Kolkata, May 12:
In light of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant has issued directives for heightened vigilance in the state’s border areas. On Sunday, he held a virtual meeting from Nabanna with District Magistrates, Superintendents of Police, and Police Commissioners, emphasizing the need for strict surveillance along the international borders. Intelligence agencies were instructed to remain especially alert, and any suspicious activity must be immediately reported to the DGP Control Room.
During the meeting, the state Food Secretary directed district officials to ensure at least three months’ worth of food supplies are adequately stocked. Additionally, orders were issued for the repair or fresh installation of both long-range and short-range sirens. The district administrations were told to assess the condition of existing shelter camps or flood centers and to identify suitable locations where such facilities do not currently exist.
West Bengal shares international borders with Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, while North Bengal serves as a gateway to Northeast India. The Northeastern states share borders with China and Myanmar. In this context, special attention was also given to the threat of terrorist sleeper cells becoming active during the ceasefire period.
Following ‘Operation Sindoor’, Pakistani forces have continued to launch attacks across Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Punjab. Blackouts were in effect in several regions as of Saturday. A key meeting between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan is scheduled for Monday. In this tense backdrop, India’s Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed all border states to remain on high alert.
At Sunday’s meeting, West Bengal’s Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar also advised district police units to maintain regular contact with local clubs and community organizations in border areas. He further stressed the importance of preventing the spread of rumors or misinformation.
