India strengthens eastern defences with three new garrisons near Siliguri ‘Chicken’s Neck’

Amid shifting regional dynamics following the change of regime in Bangladesh and concerns over China’s growing presence near the vulnerable Siliguri corridor, the Indian Army has reinforced its eastern frontier by establishing three new garrison locations.

The new establishments comprise the Lachit Borphukan Military Station in Assam’s Dhubri district and forward bases at Kishanganj in Bihar and Chopra in West Bengal, all sited close to the India-Bangladesh border.

A senior defence official said the move was essential given the evolving security environment. The Siliguri Corridor, a narrow land link to India’s eight northeastern States, is strategically crucial, and the additional garrisons will enhance surveillance in the region, the official added.

The newly operational stations are expected to strengthen the Army’s operational readiness and improve coordination with the Border Security Force, which guards the Bangladesh frontier.

Lieutenant General R. C. Tiwari, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command, recently visited the new garrisons, interacting with troops and praising their professionalism and rapid efforts in operationalising the bases. He urged them to remain vigilant and maintain high preparedness levels.

Wing Commander Himanshu Tiwari, Chief PRO, MoD Kolkata, said Lt Gen Tiwari also laid the foundation stone of the Lachit Borphukan Military Station at Bamunigaon, named after the Ahom commander noted for his leadership.

The Army acknowledged the Assam government and local administration for their support in enabling the rapid establishment of the station, Mr. Tiwari added.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has repeatedly expressed concern over demographic changes in border districts, which he has attributed to illegal immigration from Bangladesh.

Rampant development of border infrastructure by China along the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh remains a significant concern. In June, China hosted a trilateral foreign-office consultation with Pakistani and Bangladeshi counterparts in Kunming, an event viewed by some observers as an attempt to build regional linkages without India’s participation.

The Tri-Shakti Corps, charged with guarding Sikkim and the corridor, already fields robust defensive assets, including Rafale jets deployed at Hashimara, BrahMos missiles and advanced air-defence systems.

The establishment of the new garrisons comes as India steps up military activity in the Northeast, including a major Indian Air Force flying display in Assam and the Army exercise Poorvi Prachand Prahar near the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh.

Separately, on November 8, a Pakistan Navy ship visited Chattogram port in Bangladesh, the first such visit since 1971, followed by meetings between Pakistan’s Navy chief and Bangladesh’s Army chief to discuss defence cooperation.

Earlier, the Army’s deputy chief, Lt Gen Rahul R. Singh, had commented that Beijing preferred to exert influence through Islamabad rather than become directly involved, and that China used regional conflicts as opportunities to test weapons and tactics.