"New Bengal Govt should tackle Bangladeshi influx seriously," says Naga leader Azo Nienu

 "New Bengal Govt should tackle Bangladeshi influx seriously," says Naga leader Azo Nienu

Senior Naga legislator Kuzholüzo Azo Nienu has welcomed the mandate of the people in recent elections across four states and one UT and said - the "beauty of democracy" lies in the renewed mandate we can ensure every five years.  

In the context of a historic election outcome in West Bengal where BJP will form a government of its own for the first time; he said: "Normally I should not be talking about specifics in any other state. That's not my subject.  I am full time involved in Naga matters and at times on issues concerning our north east region".  

However, he hastened to add: "West Bengal is slightly different because it is the Gateway state to the north east. 

Mokokchung Times - report 

"The people of Bengal matter to the north east and the city of Kolkata also matters".  

Asked to comment on the election results and the issues like Bangladeshi infiltration, Azo told this journalist:  "Of course, the issue of illegal immigration from Bangladesh bothers us".  

Therefore, he said: "The mandate in West Bengal was important from the perspectives of  regional and national security".

Azo, who is a sitting Phek legislator belonging to NPF, went on to say: "As an NPF man, I also know the responsibility of coalition politics. We are part of the BJP-led NDA and so we feel happy the NDA did well in Assam and West Bengal".  

To a question he said: "Now I can sound political. I served as a Minister under chief minister Neiphiu Rio for 15 years. I also handled Home Portfolio. Hence, we all know the importance of the issue of Bangladeshi influx into our country".

"Bangladeshi immigration and especially for people of one religion is a very issue even for Nagas.  In Nagaland, I am afraid there are people whose original homeland can be questioned. We have a BJP Home Minister in Nagaland. We also have the NDA and the BJP chief minister in Assam. So, they all know their job and responsibilities".

"But on the West Bengal mandate, I feel, the new BJP government in Kolkata will be seriously sincere enough to stop the influx of Bangladeshi citizens. They have to be stopped if they try to enter illegally".

"I am not against Bangladeshi patients and students coming to India... That's a different issue. But Border management has to be strict. Therefore, I will urge the new West Bengal chief minister to allocate the requisite land to the BSF for border fencing and management within the next three months".  

"These will go a long way in ensuring the success of developmental programmes  in Bengal, in Assam and also other states such as Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram and even Nagaland".

Answering a question, he said : "I think everyone realises the significance of the issue of unemployment. West Bengal should now take initiatives to set up good industrial plants. As a Naga I can assure them that many young Naga engineers and other professionals can then work in these companies."

The IT sector in Kolkata should also improve and this will help a large number of talent pools in the northeastern states, he added.  

On the outgoing Mamata Banerjee government, Azo said : "I have personal association with the Trinamool Congress as they are a politically important party in eastern India. I appreciate the leadership of the chief minister Mamata ji. She deserves all credit for being a fighter and coming to power in 2011".

ends