National security adviser Shivshankar Menon on Wednesday called on chief minister Mamata Banerjee at the Writers’ Buildings. This meeting assumes significance before Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s two-day visit to Bangladesh, which will commence on September 6.
Ms Banerjee and chief ministers of Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya and Mizoram will also accompany the Prime Minister on his visit to Bangladesh.
Although, neither Ms Banerjee nor Mr Menon divulged what transpired in the meeting, sources said that Mr Menon briefed the chief minister about the government of India’s stand on infiltration and exchange of enclaves, the two key issues which would be discussed between these two countries during the Prime Minister’s visit.
Teesta water sharing agreement is also scheduled to be signed between the two countries during Dr Singh’s visit to Bangladesh. Union water resources secretary D.V. Singh also accompanied Mr Menon to the chief minister to brief about the draft of the agreement.
“The issues like infiltration problem, exchange of enclaves and Teesta water sharing agreement are very much related to West Bengal. Before taking up the issues with the Bangladesh government during his visit, the Prime Minister wants to apprise the chief minister about the stand of the government of India and also seeks further suggestions from her. Mr Menon met the chief minister according to the wish and instruction of the Prime Minister,” sources added.