REBUTTAL ABOUT STATEMENT OF Ms. MAMTA BANERJEE, CM WEST BENGAL DURING CAMPAIGN REGARDING PANCHAYAT ELECTIONS 2023 IN COOCHBEHAR DISTRICT OF WB ON 26 JUNE 2023 ACCUSING BSF OF INTIMIDATING VOTERS IN BORDERING AREA.
- It is to appraise that the allegations levelled against BSF by the CM West Bengal on 26th June 2023 during a rally at Prannath High School, Chanmari (Dist- Coochbehar), are totally baseless and far from the truth.
- BSF is a professional force entrusted with the responsibility of securing the International border of India and has never intimidated any border population or voters in the Bordering areas for any reason. BSF is deployed on the Indo Bangladesh Border to promote a sense of security among the people living in the border area and to prevent trans-border crimes, and unauthorized entry into or exit from the territory of India. BSF is also responsible to prevent smuggling and any other illegal activities on the Border.
- No complaint of intimidation of any person in the border area has been received so far by BSF or any other sister agency. BSF is fully committed to the peaceful and unhindered electoral process in the border and other areas.
- BSF personnel are also being deployed for Election duty which they perform under the overall supervision of the Local Administration.
- Hence, BSF emphatically denies any such allegations levelled by CM West Bengal.
