24 Families 'Subjugated' Across the Barbed Wire for 21 Years, Appeal to Government for Rehabilitation

**Maldah:** Despite the completion of 80 years of independence, 24 families from the border village of Talatala in the Chandpur Gram Panchayat of Babungola block in Maldah have raised allegations of living a practically 'subjugated' life despite being Indian citizens. These families were left on the other side of the barbed wire when it was constructed along the India-Bangladesh border in 2005. Nearly 21 years have passed since then, and they still have to live across the barbed wire.

Villagers allege that despite having Indian identity cards, their daily lives are heavily controlled. They have to show their identity cards to the BSF at specific times for commuting. Even though they need to travel multiple times during the day, they face problems when they need urgent medical care or if someone falls ill at night.

The geographical location of Talatala village is quite complex. On one side is India, and on the other is Bangladesh. The river Bhaba serves as one of the markers of the border between the two countries. On the other side of the river is the village of Adatala in the Sapahar police station of Naogaon district, Bangladesh. And on this side is Talatala in Babungola police station, Maldah.

Local residents further allege that there is always a sense of fear regarding security in the border area. They claim that sometimes miscreants cross the river and steal livestock from their side. As a result, families face difficulties not only due to insecurity but also in terms of their children's education, medical care, and urgent travel needs.

In this situation, 24 families have appealed to the government for their rehabilitation across the barbed wire. They argue that if they cannot live normally on the mainland of their own country as Indian citizens, how will they reap the full benefits of independence?

Meanwhile, Jewel Murmu, the state's Minister of Water Resources and Tribal Development and the local MLA, visited Talatala village and spoke with the local residents. He listened to their problems while talking to them. He was accompanied by representatives of the village panchayat and BSF officials from the 88th Talatala BOP.

In front of the minister, the villagers folded their hands and demanded their rehabilitation. They appealed to the government to arrange for their residence across the barbed wire.

Jewel Murmu stated that he personally visited the area, spoke with the residents, and listened to their problems. He assured that he would raise the issue with the state government and discuss it with the district administration. He also mentioned that he would discuss with the administration whether it is possible to rehabilitate the 24 families across the barbed wire.

Now, those 24 families from Talatala are looking towards the government's decision. Their only demand is to be given the opportunity to live a normal life across the barbed wire as Indian citizens.