Bhubaneswar: Holding West Bengal responsible for infiltration of Bangladeshi nationals into Odisha, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari on Monday said that the neighbouring state should take concrete steps to prevent illegal entry at its borders.
Accusing West Bengal of failing to perform its duty, Pujari alleged that the neighbouring state was not cooperating with the Centre in implementing national policies and measures. Claiming that people from Bangladesh have been illegally entering the country mostly through West Bengal, he said cattle smuggling is also being carried out through this route.
The Minister also voiced concern over rise in criminal activities linked to illegal immigrants, and said that several pending criminal cases involve Bangladeshi nationals.
Pujari further asserted that the Odisha government is taking concrete steps for a permanent solution to the issue.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi informed the state Assembly that the government has identified as many as 3,738 Bangladeshi nationals staying illegally in Odisha.
