West Bengal Plans New Holding Centres Near Petrapole Border

In response to increasing activity and congestion near border areas, the West Bengal government is exploring the possibility of setting up holding centres close to the Petrapole border in North 24 Parganas. A government housing site in Pirojpur is being considered, while additional land in Jayantipur is also under consideration for this purpose.

Officials, including senior police and administration representatives, recently inspected a government housing complex in Pirojpur. Their aim is to determine suitable infrastructure for temporary holding arrangements, should they become necessary. Multiple locations are being evaluated based on administrative and security needs, according to a senior official's statement.

Although specific motivations behind this move have not been disclosed, the measure is seen as part of enhanced preparations to manage border area congestion effectively. Petrapole, a major land port, has experienced heightened activity, prompting these proactive steps.

The state Home and Hill Affairs Department previously directed districts to develop facilities for housing 'apprehended foreigners' and 'released foreign prisoners' until their deportation. This aligns with a recently adopted policy focusing on detecting, deleting, and deporting unauthorized individuals, underscored by political leader Suvendu Adhikari's recent statements.

(With inputs from agencies.)