Milan Mela on Indo-Bangladesh border cancelled for 4th consecutive year

On Chaitra Sankranti, people from both India and Bangladesh gather on both sides of the border to exchange gifts.

Jalpaiguri:Milan Mela or the annual fair where Indians and Bangladeshis meet to exchange gifts on Chaitra Sankranti is not being held for the fourth consecutive year this time. The fair was cancelled last year due to the assembly elections, and in the prior two years, it could not be held due to the Covid pandemic. This year, the fair has been called off in the apprehension that it may disrupt law and order as a huge crowd gathers during the event.

On Chaitra Sankranti, which is the last day of the Bengali calendar's last month Chaitra, people from India and Bangladesh stand on the either side of the barbed wire fencing to exchange gifts and pleasantries. In the Indian side of the border, people gathered in Gadrock, Shukhani and Bholapara Kukurjan area of Jalpaiguri's Rajganj block. Enthusiastic Indians meet their relatives from Bangladesh. BSF personnel have a tough time controlling the crowd as several people gather on the occasion.

On Wednesday afternoon, District Magistrate (DM) Moumita Godara held a meeting with Superintendent of Police Khandbahale Umesh Ganpat, MLA Khageshwar Roy, Commandant of 195 Battalion of BSF Sunil Kumar and other senior officials to discuss Milan Mela.

Trinamool Congress MLA Khageshwar Roy of Rajganj block said, "The BSF is not in favour of allowing Milan Mela citing national security and law and order issues. I had requested the DM to hold Milan Mela this time. Following which, a meeting was called today. BSF has said that since India-Bangladesh is a matter of two countries, they have expressed concern over national security. This apart, panchayat polls can be announced any time. It is being feared that law and order may be disrupted if the large gathering is held. So the fair is not being held this time. Let's see what happens next year."

The BSF Commandant of 195 Battalion on the Indo-Bangladesh border, Sunil Kumar said, "We have discussed the issue of national security in the meeting. We have explained in detail what problems we may have." The area is under the charge of 195 Battalion of the North Bengal Frontier, BSF.