Firhad Hakim Blames Centre for Illegal Migration Amid Arrest of Suspected Terror Operatives

West Bengal minister Firhad Hakim has held the central government accountable for unchecked illegal migration from Bangladesh. His remarks come after the arrest of eight suspected members of the Bangladesh-based terror group Ansar-al-Islam, accused of attempting to expand their network in the state.

Speaking on Sunday, Hakim responded to reports that two of the arrested individuals were allegedly working to establish a sleeper cell in the Murshidabad district. One of them, a Bangladeshi national, reportedly obtained fake identity documents, including a passport, to facilitate subversive activities in India.

Hakim criticized the BJP for blaming the state government over the arrests, asserting that border security and the prevention of illegal migration fall under the purview of the Centre. “The central government is responsible for managing border control. If illegal migration is happening unabated, the fault lies with them,” he said.

The arrests have further fueled political tensions, with the BJP accusing the West Bengal government of negligence in countering terror threats and ensuring law and order in the region. The investigation into the case is ongoing.