Will we have lollipop when you come to occupy our land: Mamata Banerjee hits back at Bangladeshi politicians

Reacting to the provocative comments made by a section of Bangladeshi politicians that Bangladesh could occupy certain states in India within days West Bengal Chief Minister CM Mamata Banerjee on Monday said that no one has the guts to take our landAccording to news agency PTI Banerjee while addressing the West Bengal Assembly called the comments absurd and dismissed them by saying You will occupy Bengal Bihar and Odisha and we will have lollipopsWithout naming anyone the CM also condemned the circulation of fake videos related to the situation in Bangladesh in India and blamed a certain political party for attempting to stoke tensions in her state This is not Uttar Pradesh or Rajasthan where we will ban or arrest you But I request you to be responsible Many fake videos are doing the rounds A political party is trying to ignite a fire Both communities must be watchful of this she warnedBanerjee strongly rejected the provocative statements from across the border including by a Bangladesh Nationalist Party BNP leader who said that his country has claims over Bengal Bihar and Odisha She also reacted to a viral video featuring Bangladesh Army veterans suggesting the country could occupy West Bengal within days and said You will occupy Bengal Bihar and Odisha and we will have lollipops Dont even think that No one has the guts to take our lands dont even think about itAccording to PTI she also mocked the Bangladeshi leaders who made the provocative statements recently and said Stay calm and healthy and have peace of mindBanerjee also had a word of caution for those back in India Those thinking of politicising this must remember that it will hurt our state too and your friends sisters and brothers in Bangladesh she said adding A certain political party is responsible for the circulation of fake videos to stoke fire We should not make unnecessary statements that may threaten the situation here I appeal to everyone to stay away from such misinformation We are not in favour of any one group we care for everyone hereWe are all proud Indians CM Mamata BanerjeeFurther Banerjee condemned the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh calling it unacceptable and stressed the need for unity among Indias religious communities PTI reportedWe condemn the ongoing violence on Hindus in Bangladesh Communal violence is not done by Hindus Muslims Sikhs or Christians it is done by antisocial elements that are burden on the society We should all remember this and avoid making statements that could disrupt the peace in West Bengal she saidThe Hindu community in Bangladesh the countrys largest minority group has faced increasing persecution following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5 triggered by widespread student protests The minorities have been increasingly vulnerable to violent attacks and forced displacementBanerjee also addressed concerns over potential protests in the state urging restraint stating that while many minority groups wanted to hold protest marches she had asked them not toShe cautioned that some individuals might politicise the issue and use it to provoke communal riots emphasising We dont want riots we want peace The same blood flows in the veins of Hindus and Muslims and all other communities We are all proud IndiansBanerjee also praised West Bengals secular nature noting that both Hindus and Muslims in the state had condemned the atrocities against minorities in BangladeshWest Bengal CM refuses to comment on crossborder infiltrationI am thankful that while Hindus are protesting Imams also held a press conference to condemn the atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh This just shows that West Bengal is first when it comes to showing an example of secularism she said adding Let us show the Bengalis on the other side a sense of nationalism compassion and affectionHowever she refused to comment on the issue of Bangladesh nationals attempting to cross the border into West BengalWe will not comment on this Those with money are coming by planes or trains but the poor cannot We dont handle the border Let the Centre handle it The BSF Border Security Force is keeping a watch on our borders she saidThe West Bengal chief minister said her government and party the Trinamool Congress will follow the guidelines of the Ministry of External Affairs and will not speak out of turn over the issueOur foreign secretary is in Bangladesh for talks Let us not speak more than what is required Let us wait for the outcome We are responsible citizens Our country is united she saidMeanwhile Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held talks with his Bangladeshi counterpart Mohammad Jashim Uddin after the bilateral ties between the two neighbours strained following Hasinas ouster Misri arrived in Dhaka on an Indian Air Force jet for a daylong visit According to officials this is the first highlevel visit from New Delhi after a massive uprising ended Hasinas 15year ruleWith PTI inputs