Madrasa survey needed to prevent Bengal from becoming safe haven for infiltrators: Agnimitra Paul

Siliguri: West Bengal cabinet minister Agnimitra Paul on Sunday defended the ongoing survey of madrasas, saying the exercise was necessary to ensure that the state does not become a "safe haven" for terrorists and infiltrators, while asserting that Muslim students should be brought into the mainstream through modern education.

Paul alleged that the entry of Rohingyas and infiltrators had been encouraged in the state during the last 15 years of Trinamool Congress regime and the preceding 34 years of Left Front rule. "In the last 49 years, we have seen how Rohingyas and infiltrators were encouraged and brought to the state," she alleged.

The minister said the government wanted Muslim children to be part of the state's development journey and stressed the need for modern education in madrasas. "We want Muslim children to be part of the journey that we are taking under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for development," Paul said.

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"We want modern education to be given in madrasas. Muslim children, whether female or male, should become doctors, engineers, IAS officers, scientists and IFS officers. We want them to be part of this team that will take Bengal and India forward," she added.