Siliguri Corridor security: Amit Shah reviews arrangements, unveils triangular grid plan

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday held a high-level meeting with senior officials from West Bengal and central security forces to review arrangements along India's eastern borders, with a particular focus on the Siliguri Corridor. The meeting took place in Sukna, on the outskirts of Siliguri, and marked the final day of his three-day visit to the state.

The Siliguri Corridor, commonly known as the 'Chicken's Neck', is a narrow stretch of land that serves as the sole land link between the northeastern states and the rest of India. Bordered by Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, the corridor is considered one of the most strategically sensitive areas in the country. Any disruption in this passage could effectively cut off the Northeast from the mainland.

Officials said the discussions centred on enhancing border surveillance, improving coordination between central security forces, intelligence agencies, state police and administration, and developing a framework for a 'Triangular Security Grid'. Senior officers from the Border Security Force (BSF) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), deployed along the international borders, participated in the meeting.

Addressing an SSB event in Siliguri on Friday, Amit Shah elaborated on the centre's plan to establish the grid around the Chicken's Neck land patch. "The Siliguri Corridor is one of the most sensitive areas that connects eight states and is crucial to national security. We have prepared a triangular grid comprising three new military garrisons at Dhubri in Assam, Kishanganj in Bihar and Chopra in West Bengal," he said.

The proposed garrisons are strategically positioned to form a triangle around the corridor, enabling rapid response to any security threat. Dhubri lies to the west of the corridor along the Brahmaputra, Kishanganj is in Bihar near the Nepal border, and Chopra is in West Bengal close to the Bangladesh border. Together, they are expected to provide a robust security umbrella over the region.

The Home Minister's emphasis on the triangular grid signals a broader strategy to strengthen India's defence posture in the Northeast and its periphery. The region has seen increased attention in recent years, with the government focusing on infrastructure development and security enhancement in border areas.

During the review meeting, officials also discussed measures to enhance intelligence sharing, streamline communication between agencies, and address challenges such as infiltration, smuggling and cross-border terrorism. A senior official said that a unified approach is essential to safeguarding the strategic corridor, which is vital for the movement of goods and troops between the Northeast and the rest of the country.

The visit underscores the central government's commitment to securing India's eastern borders and ensuring the stability of the Northeast region, officials said. The detailed plan for the triangular grid is expected to be implemented in phases, with the home ministry coordinating with the ministries of defence and finance for resources and approvals.