These reports need verification. But they do point to a scenario in which ‘ultras’ in neighbouring Bangladesh can, indeed, pose a danger as ‘part of the larger network’ that elements of the ruling TMC in Bengal may be relying on ‘to trigger minor law and order disturbances’.
Both state and central governments must be vigilant. On top of a stricter eye on the border, there is the matter for GoI of dealing deftly but firmly with Dhaka, and Mamata Banerjee reading the riot act to rogue elements within her own party.
Without fomenting exaggerated threat perceptions, the Bengal-Bangla situation can pose a serious national security challenge.
Use-for-hire ‘Muslim miscreants‘, foreign or domestic, in political turf wars, or to force the hand of the opposition before the 2026 state elections, has a serious risk of spiralling out of control. It must be nipped in the bud.
At the same time, every care must be taken by GoI to ensure that the situation does not escalate into targeting of either Bangladeshis or Indian Muslims.At the Bangkok Bimstec summit, Bangladesh chief adviser Muhammad Yunus expressed a desire to work with India. It’s now time to walk the talk. New Delhi, working together with Dhaka and Kolkata, must identify miscreants and alleged networks to shut down these reported operations and clamp down on those involved. Optics matters in this business. It will benefit both countries and build much-needed trust that, of late, has been wanting in the context of a larger ‘circles of influence’ tussle in the region.
