West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari yesterday (27 June) said his government would introduce a stringent law against religious conversion and implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state as part of efforts to strengthen national security and preserve Bengal's cultural identity.
Addressing a programme at Rabindra Sadan marking the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram', Suvendu alleged that infiltration through the state's international border had contributed to religious conversion and demographic changes, posing a threat to West Bengal's social fabric and national security.
"Give us some time. A strict law against religious conversion, Uniform Civil Code and NRC will be introduced in West Bengal," he said.
Suvendu said his government had provided land required for border infrastructure and established holding centres in border districts to identify and deport alleged illegal entrants.
"Those entering illegally and engaging in activities that threaten India's culture and national security will be sent back," he said.
Distinguishing between illegal immigrants and refugees covered under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), Adhikari said Hindus who had come to India after facing religious persecution were "not infiltrators" and would be granted citizenship under the law.
West Bengal / Suvendu Adhikari / NRC
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