NEW DELHI: After West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said her state will let in Bangladeshis looking to escape from violence at home, Indian govt sources said such issues are handled by the Centre and as such her comments are totally misplaced.
Bangladesh has been teetering on the brink of disaster for the past several days amid violent clashes between students and pro-govt forces over reservation in govt jobs.According to authorities here, 4,500 Indian students have so far returned from Bangladesh because of the deteriorating law and order situation in the neighbouring country.
“A state govt has no locus standi on the issue,” said a source, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Mamata had earlier said the state govt would offer shelter to people who might flee to India if the ongoing violence does not stop. “I should not be speaking on the affairs of Bangladesh since that is a sovereign nation and whatever needs to be said on the issue is a subject matter of the Centre. But I can tell you this, if helpless people come knocking on the doors of Bengal, we will surely provide them shelter,” she said.
Meanwhile, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said in a statement so far, over 4,500 Indian students have returned. The high commission has been making arrangement for security escort to the border-crossing points for safe travel of Indian nationals.
“Five hundred students of Nepal, 38 of Bhutan and one of Maldives have also arrived in India. The high commission and our assistant high commissions continue to be in regular touch with local authorities for the safety and security of Indian nationals. They are also in regular contact with remaining students in various universities in Bangladesh and with Indian nationals for their welfare and assistance,” said the statement.
Before violence erupted, there were 15,000 Indian nationals in Bangladesh, including 4,500 students.
The MEA said it has been coordinating with relevant Indian authorities to ensure a smooth passage for our citizens at land ports and airports. “The high commission in Dhaka is also coordinating with civil aviation authorities of Bangladesh and commercial airlines to ensure availability of flight services between India and Bangladesh,” said the ministry.
Bangladesh has been teetering on the brink of disaster for the past several days amid violent clashes between students and pro-govt forces over reservation in govt jobs.According to authorities here, 4,500 Indian students have so far returned from Bangladesh because of the deteriorating law and order situation in the neighbouring country.
“A state govt has no locus standi on the issue,” said a source, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Mamata had earlier said the state govt would offer shelter to people who might flee to India if the ongoing violence does not stop. “I should not be speaking on the affairs of Bangladesh since that is a sovereign nation and whatever needs to be said on the issue is a subject matter of the Centre. But I can tell you this, if helpless people come knocking on the doors of Bengal, we will surely provide them shelter,” she said.
Meanwhile, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said in a statement so far, over 4,500 Indian students have returned. The high commission has been making arrangement for security escort to the border-crossing points for safe travel of Indian nationals.
“Five hundred students of Nepal, 38 of Bhutan and one of Maldives have also arrived in India. The high commission and our assistant high commissions continue to be in regular touch with local authorities for the safety and security of Indian nationals. They are also in regular contact with remaining students in various universities in Bangladesh and with Indian nationals for their welfare and assistance,” said the statement.
Before violence erupted, there were 15,000 Indian nationals in Bangladesh, including 4,500 students.
The MEA said it has been coordinating with relevant Indian authorities to ensure a smooth passage for our citizens at land ports and airports. “The high commission in Dhaka is also coordinating with civil aviation authorities of Bangladesh and commercial airlines to ensure availability of flight services between India and Bangladesh,” said the ministry.