CM Mamata keeps night-long vigil on Nepal unrest; TMC shares video

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is currently in Siliguri for an administrative tour, but her visit has taken on a critical dimension due to the worsening situation in neighboring Nepal. With the neighboring country in the grip of a major political and social crisis, the Chief Minister stayed up all night at Uttarkanya, the administrative headquarters of North Bengal, to personally monitor the developments. The move underscores the seriousness with which the West Bengal government is viewing the unrest, given the state’s close proximity to the Himalayan nation.

A video posted on the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the Trinamool Congress shows the Chief Minister working late into the night at Uttarkanya. The accompanying caption highlighted her dedication, stating, “The situation in the neighboring country Nepal is worrying. Therefore, in the interest of the state, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stayed awake at night in Uttarkanya and observed the entire matter.” This public communication served to inform the people of her direct involvement and vigilance during a tense time.

The turmoil in Nepal, sparked by a ban on social media platforms, has spiraled out of control. Protests have spread beyond the capital city of Kathmandu to various parts of the country. According to the latest reports, the violence has resulted in a death toll of 21 people so far. The unrest has also had a direct impact on the Indian side of the border, with bus services between India and Nepal already being suspended to ensure the safety of travelers.

The Chief Minister’s actions are not unprecedented. She has a well-known habit of personally overseeing major crises. A similar all-night vigil was seen during Cyclone Dana, when she stayed at the state secretariat, Nabanna, to coordinate disaster management efforts. During such events, she works alongside control room staff, keeping a constant eye on monitors and taking charge of the situation on the ground. This time, the state’s proximity to the crisis in Nepal called for a similar level of hands-on management.

The Chief Minister's presence in Uttarkanya is particularly significant as North Bengal shares a long and porous border with Nepal. The primary concern is to prevent any potential spillover of the unrest, which could lead to law and order problems or disrupt the lives of the local population. Her vigilance is aimed at ensuring peace and stability in the border areas.