West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced the establishment of a new 'Seema Mitra' award starting in the year 2027 to honor personnel who make extraordinary contributions to border security. The recognition will extend to members of the Border Security Force (BSF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and the West Bengal Police who have shown remarkable dedication in safeguarding the nation's frontiers.
The Chief Minister made the announcement on Sunday while addressing BSF troops at a border outpost located in the Hingalganj area of North 24 Parganas district, situated close to the Bangladesh border. He stated that a dedicated committee will be formed specifically to select eligible personnel for the distinction.
Visiting Troops During Diwali and Kali Puja
Suvendu Adhikari traveled to the border area to celebrate Diwali and Kali Puja alongside the deployed forces and boost their morale. During his interaction, he reiterated that the administration intends to roll out the honors beginning next year for deserving members across the BSF, SSB, and state police forces.
Highlighting the strategic importance of various frontiers, the Chief Minister noted that the BSF guards the international border between India and Bangladesh, while SSB personnel remain stationed along the borders adjacent to Nepal and Bhutan.
Criticism of the Previous Administration
Addressing the troops in Hingalganj, the Chief Minister launched a strong critique against the former government led by Mamata Banerjee, alleging that central forces had faced mistreatment. He specifically mentioned the Border Security Force and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) as having been subjected to improper conduct during the previous tenure.
Offering a formal apology as the head of the state administration, he remarked that he apologizes to the forces for the disrespectful remarks and treatment directed at them by the prior government. He emphasized that the current leadership deeply values the sacrifices made by security personnel.
Land Allocation Issues for Border Fencing
Further elaborating on past administrative hurdles, Suvendu Adhikari alleged that the preceding Trinamool Congress government had failed to provide the necessary land to the BSF for erecting fences along the roughly 600-kilometer stretch of the India-Bangladesh border passing through West Bengal.
He claimed that immediately after the formation of the BJP government in the state, steps were taken to ensure that land acquisition and allocation processes for fencing the open borders were fast-tracked. This latest announcement is widely seen as an effort to formally recognize the relentless service rendered by central security forces and state police officers working in challenging border regions.
