Mamata Banerjee Assures Safe Return of Bengalis Stranded in Nepal

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday assured that her government is taking urgent steps to bring back residents of the state stranded in neighbouring Nepal. Speaking in Jalpaiguri, she said the administration has already initiated measures to ensure their safe return within the next couple of days.

Banerjee appealed to the public not to panic and avoid unnecessary risks. “There is a problem in our neighbouring country… I want peace to be restored. I monitored the situation the entire night. You can sleep peacefully, we will take care of it,” she said.

Expressing deep concern over the unrest in Nepal, the Chief Minister strongly condemned the brutal killing of a former prime minister’s wife, who was allegedly burnt alive. She described the incident as “inhuman” and called on people to reject violence and political opportunism.

Banerjee stressed that Bengal has always stood for compassion and humanity. “West Bengal gives birth to humanity and compassion. Burning a living person and celebrating it is not humanity. People may have grievances, but it should never lead to cruelty and atrocities,” she said.

Upon her arrival in North Bengal, Banerjee held a high-level review meeting with senior police officials. Later, Inspector General (North Bengal) Rajesh Kumar Yadav and Darjeeling SP Praveen Prakash met with SSB 41 Battalion Commandant Yogesh Kumar Singh to strengthen border security.

Given North Bengal’s proximity to Nepal, police stations along the border have been put on high alert. The West Bengal Police has also set up a dedicated helpline for tourists and residents needing assistance to return. Stranded people can reach out via WhatsApp or phone at 9147889078 or call the landline 0354-2252057 for help crossing the Panitanki or Pashupati check-posts in Darjeeling district.

Darjeeling SP Praveen Prakash confirmed that checkpoint searches are ongoing and coordination is being maintained with Nepal Police. “The SSB is also on high alert. Anyone facing issues in Nepal can contact the Darjeeling District Police helpline for immediate assistance,” he added.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose also visited the Indo-Nepal border areas of Panitanki on Wednesday. As part of his North Bengal tour, he inspected the border bridge and reviewed fencing works at Phansidewa. The Governor interacted with BSF and SSB personnel, who confirmed that the situation in the areas he visited was peaceful.

With both the state government and central forces closely monitoring the crisis in Nepal, officials have assured that stranded Bengalis will be safely brought back within days.