New Military Station in Assam Gains Strategic Importance

Guwahati, Nov 12 — In light of rising cross-border crimes, activities by extremist groups, and perceived pressures from Bangladesh's caretaker government on the critical 'chicken’s neck' corridor linking the North East with mainland India, the forthcoming military station in Assam has gained notable importance, experts have observed.

Positioned approximately 40 km from the Bangladesh border, the Lachit Borphukan Military Station is being established by the Indian Army at Bamunigaon in Assam’s Dhubri district. This development marks the first base of its kind in the state’s western sector.

Lieutenant General RC Tiwari, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command, initiated the project's foundation last week during a visit to forward areas. “The decision to set up the camp is a welcome one due to the prevailing situation in Bangladesh,” Brigadier (retd) Ranjit Kumar Borthakur shared with PTI. Previously, the closest military camps were located in Cooch Behar, West Bengal and Tamulpur, Assam.

“The Dhubri camp will aid the Army in fortifying its intelligence network, encompassing both human and signal intelligence,” he added.

Defence spokesperson Lt Col. Mahendra Rawat emphasized the significance of the military station, noting its role in bolstering the operational capabilities and infrastructure of the Indian Army in the area. “It will help monitor activities in the area and also lend an additional sense of security to the locals,” he stated.

This new military base, under the Tezpur-based 4 Corps, is expected to accommodate between 1,200 to 1,500 personnel, with pre-fabricated huts being installed to expedite the facility's completion, as per another Army official’s report. “The Assam government swiftly transferred the land within one or two months, and efforts are underway to operationalise the station soon. A para-commando unit will also be stationed there,” he added.

Lt Col. Rawat highlighted that the Lachit Borphukan Military Station exemplifies the synergy between the armed forces and the state administration, reflecting a unified vision for national security and regional advancement.

Brig. (retd) Borthakur pointed out the security implications, noting the toughened stance of Bangladesh's caretaker government towards India and its association with Pakistan. “The frequent visits of Pakistani politicians and defence ministry personnel are of significant concern,” he remarked.

He referenced statements by the Bangladesh caretaker government's leader, Muhammad Yunus, regarding India, particularly his remarks about the strategic Siliguri corridor or ‘chicken’s neck’, and the potential activation of the Lalmonirhat airfield by China in Bangladesh, close to this narrow corridor linking the North East with the rest of India.

“The Siliguri corridor is always important to us, and we are fully prepared for any situation. However, we can be more active in this regard,” added the retired brigadier.

While border management is well-handled by the BSF and other agencies, the Army needs to bolster its intelligence capabilities, both signal and human, and the Dhubri military station will be instrumental in this respect, Borthakur noted.

Concerns have long existed around smuggling, illegal migration, cattle smuggling, and the rising threat from extremist activities emanating from Bangladesh, he added. “The new camp is a prudent step towards ensuring increased preparedness by the security forces,” he stressed.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had previously indicated in June that the state government was considering establishing a permanent Army base to strengthen the security framework in the ‘sensitive’ Dhubri district, following communal tensions after the Eid-ul-Zuha festival.

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