The Jalpaiguri district administration on Thursday held a high level meeting with officials of paramilitary forces and central government departments to curb illegal activities in the district ahead of the Assembly elections, particularly in areas close to the international borders.
“The elections are yet to be announced but we have decided to start preparations to stop illegal activities. At the directive of the Election Commission, we had a meeting with officials of different departments and agencies. All of us would be working in coordination and vigil would be enhanced on the international borders,” said Moumita Godara Basu, the district magistrate of Jalpaiguri.
Senior officials of the BSF, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Customs, GST and income tax were present at the meeting, said sources.
In Jalpaiguri district, the Sadar and Rajganj blocks share borders with Bangladesh. The boundary in the Sadar block has a stretch 55km.
The frontier is 39km long in the Rajganj block. Different stretches of the Bangladesh border, whose combined length is 18km, are not fenced.
The district also shares borders with Bhutan. While the Nagrakata block shares a 30km border with Bhutan, the Dhupguri block has 15km of boundary with the Himalayan country.
According to administrative sources, arms smuggling, circulation of black money and inflow of illegal (non-duty paid) liquor are common ahead of the elections.
“It is necessary to stop such activities to prevent intimidation of voters. That is why the meeting was held and a clear message has been passed on to central agencies and departments to make all efforts to check such practices. In areas close to the borders, check-posts would be set up to frisk vehicles and luggage,” said an official.
In the past few days, reports have reached the administration that some people are illegally bringing in liquor made in Bhutan and storing the same at some places.
“The excise department has been asked to take stern steps and act in coordination with the SSB and the district police,” the official added.
