New Delhi: Amidst the tensions between India and Pakistan, another border country, Bangladesh, has also started a row with India. Defense experts call the Chicken Neck or Siliguri Corridor, which connects Bangladesh-Nepal-India, a weak link.
It is called the Chicken Neck because it is a narrow area. In fact, from a strategic point of view, it is a very important center for India. India has deployed its S-400 air defense system, known as the Sudarshan Chakra, here. Along with this, the nuclear-capable Rafale fighter jet and the supersonic cruise missile Brahmos have also been deployed here. The Indian Army has made this deployment as a precautionary measure at a time when Bangladesh is under the control of the Islamic fundamentalist organization Jamaat-e-Islami, with the support of Pakistan and China.
The democratically elected government of Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh was toppled last year under the pretext of a student movement. Sheikh Hasina later fled Bangladesh and sought asylum in India. After this, the interim government of Bangladesh is functioning under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus. Yunus and all his subordinates have been continuously making statements against India. This has set back the friendly relations between India and Bangladesh. Now India has decided that it will not tolerate further atrocities by Bangladesh. Bangladesh's relations with India have further deteriorated, especially after Mohammad Yunus visit to China.
At the invitation of Mohammad Yunus, China is reportedly helping Bangladesh revive the old World War II airbase at Lalmonirhat, just 12-15 kilometers from the Indian border. This airbase is currently occupied by the Bangladesh Air Force. However, it has been inactive for decades. It is located just 135 kilometers from the Siliguri corridor. Several Chinese military officials have recently visited the area, indicating China's growing interest in the area. But India does not accept China's presence near Chicken Neck. India has conveyed this to Bangladesh several times at the diplomatic level.
India's response
Amidst these concerns arising in the eastern part, Indian security forces have taken extensive measures to secure the area. Many advanced military assets have been deployed here. Several squadrons of MiG and Rafale fighter jets have been deployed, especially at the Hasimara air base. Along with this, a regiment of Brahmos missiles has also been deployed. Along with this, live-fire exercises are being conducted with MRSAM medium-range surface-to-air missiles and T-90 tanks to enhance the operational readiness of the Army's Tri-Shakti Brigade.
