Amid fresh turmoil in Bangladesh and persistent threat from China, India has set up three brand new fully operational military garrisons in strategic Siliguri Corridor. The development, which was confirmed through multiple media reports on November 16, shows New Delhi’s latest initiative to fortify the Chicken’s neck.
The three Indian Army’s garrisons along the international border of Bangladesh are located Chopra (West Bengal), Kishanganj (Bihar) and Dhubri (Assam). As part of the new arrangement, the Lachit Borphukan Military Station in Dhubri’s Bamunigaon location will be the primary garrison. Forward bases in Chopra and Kishanganj will complete the military positioning thereby securing the Siliguri Corridor also known as Chicken’s neck.
Sandwiched between Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and China, the 22-kilometre-wide strip in North Bengal commonly known as Siliguri corridor connects the rest of India with its seven northeastern states. The establishment of the new garrisons is seen emboldening India’s surveillance power in the region. Apart from tactical knowledge, the garrisons will help in quick mobilisation of forces in need of any emergency.
While the development comes amid fresh turmoil in Bangladesh following the death verdict against Sheikh Hasina by the International Crimes Tribunal, New Delhi has been watchful regarding the pace with China is setting up infrastructure along the border areas. Satellite images have revealed hard structures being set up by Beijing along the Line of Actual Control near Arunachal Pradesh.
While garrisons are seen as India levelling up its security game, it should be noted that there is already a robust military setup in the region. The Tri-Shakti Corps, which is headquartered in Siliguri’s Sukna, has been in-charge of securing the corridor. Major defence assets in the region include BrahMos missiles, Rafale combat jets at Hashimara and advanced air-defence systems. Apart from the aerial assets, New Delhi has also deployed the MRSAM system developed, S-400 surface-to-air missiles and the indigenous Aakash missile system in the region.
The development regarding the garrisons comes days after massive Indian Air Force flying display in Assam along with the Indian Army's exercise Poorvi Prachand Prahar near the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh. Indian security agencies have been on alert since the forces of Pakistan and Bangladesh have shown a very public display of coordination. On November 8, a Pakistan Navy ship had visited Chattogram port in Bangladesh. This was the first time since 1971 that a Pakistani warship had docked on Bangladeshi port.
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