Shah emphasized that the absence of fencing facilitates illegal infiltration, posing significant security concerns. He stated that whenever authorities attempt to proceed with the fencing, workers affiliated with the ruling party engage in disruptive activities, including hooliganism and religious sloganeering, further obstructing the process.
The Home Minister also accused the state government of aiding illegal immigrants by providing them with official identification documents. He alleged that many apprehended Bangladeshi infiltrators possess Aadhaar cards issued from the 24 Parganas district, suggesting complicity at the state level.
In response, Trinamool Congress leaders have refuted Shah's claims. TMC MP Saugata Roy dismissed the allegations as baseless, asserting that the central government is responsible for border security and should expedite the fencing process without shifting blame.
The India-Bangladesh border stretches over 4,000 kilometres, with West Bengal sharing the longest segment at approximately 2,217 kilometres. Securing this extensive border has been a longstanding challenge, compounded by difficult terrain and densely populated areas. While significant portions have been fenced, gaps remain, particularly in regions where land acquisition has been contentious.