India has established three new Army garrisons at Dhubri, Kishanganj, and Chopra to enhance security around the Siliguri Corridor—a strategically vulnerable link between mainland India and the Northeast—due to geopolitical changes in Bangladesh and increasing Chinese activity near the tri-junction.
Siliguri Corridor
- A narrow stretch of land known as the ‘Chicken Neck’ connecting mainland India to the northeastern states.
- Around 60 km long and only 17–22 km wide, making it extremely vulnerable in terms of defence and logistics.
- Location: Situated in northern West Bengal, bordered by Nepal (west), Bangladesh (south), Bhutan (north), and near China’s Chumbi Valley.
- Strategic Value: Acts as the only uninterrupted land route for movement of goods, food, fuel, and military supplies to the Northeast.
- Military Importance: Critical for mobilizing troops and logistics toward Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, especially during LAC tensions with China.
- Security Concerns: Multiple international borders make the region prone to smuggling, infiltration, illegal migration, and potential military threats.
- Economic Role: Supports trade with Nepal and Bhutan and serves as a corridor for tourism to Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Bhutan.
New Eastern Garrison Deployments
- Lachit Borphukan Military Station, Dhubri (Assam)
- Forward base, Kishanganj (Bihar)
- Forward base, Chopra (West Bengal)
Purpose & Role:
- Provides continuous surveillance and faster troop mobilization.
- Enhances border security and defence preparedness along the India–Bangladesh and India–China frontier.
- Strengthens monitoring of cross-border movement, illegal migration, and security risks.
Regional Significance:
- Assam supported quick establishment of the Dhubri station named after Ahom warrior Lachit Borphukan, symbolizing regional pride and military readiness.
Key Drivers for Reinforcement
- Political changes in Bangladesh leading to potential shifts in border dynamics.
- Demographic shifts in border districts due to illegal immigration.
- China’s growing influence, including LAC build-up, trilateral cooperation with Pakistan and Bangladesh, and maritime ties.
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