Guwahati The upcoming army base in Assam has taken on particular significance, according to experts, amid concerns about an increase in cross-border crimes, activities by fundamentalist groups, and purported attempts by the Bangladeshi caretaker government to put "pressure" on the "chicken's neck" corridor that connects the Northeast with the rest of India.
According to them, such a facility will strengthen border security and assist the relevant authorities in improving intelligence.
The Indian Army is establishing the Lachit Borphukan Military Station, the first in the western part of the state, near Bamunigaon in the Dhubri district of Assam, just 40 kilometres from the international border with Bangladesh.

During a visit to advanced areas last week, Lieutenant General RC Tiwari, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, placed the facility's foundation stone.
Brigadier Ranjit Kumar Borthakur told PTI, "The decision to set up the camp is a welcome one due to the prevailing situation in Bangladesh."
Previously, the nearest military camps were located in Tamulpur, Assam, and Cooch Behar, West Bengal.
He declared, "The one in Dhubri will help the Army strengthen its intelligence network, be it human or signal intelligence."
Lt Col. Mahendra Rawat, the defence spokesperson, emphasised the significance of the camp and stated that it will improve the Indian Army's infrastructure and operational capabilities in the area.

He stated, "It will help monitor activities in the area and also lend an additional sense of security to the locals."
According to another Army official, prefabricated huts are being built for the facility's early completion. The new military station under the Tezpur-based 4 Corps would be able to accommodate 1,200–1,500 men.
Within a month or two, the Assam government turned over the land, and efforts are underway to operationalise the facility as soon as possible. There will also be a para-commando unit stationed there, he continued.
Lt Col. Rawat highlighted, "The Lachit Borphukan Military Station stands as a testament to the synergy between the armed forces and the state administration, reflecting the shared vision of national security and regional development."

Brig. Borthakur emphasised its importance from a security perspective, saying, "Since the caretaker government has come into power in Bangladesh, their attitude has tremendously hardened against India." Additionally, there is the connection to Pakistan. It is extremely concerning because Pakistani politicians and members of the defence ministry frequently pay high-level visits.
He also brought up remarks made by Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh's caretaker government, about India, particularly his remarks about the Siliguri corridor, also known as the "chicken's neck," and his approval of China activating Lalmonirhat airfield in the neighbouring country, which is near this 22-kilometer corridor that connects the Northeast to the rest of India.

"We always value the Siliguri corridor, and we are ready for anything." But we can do more in this area," the former brigadier continued.
Although "adequately by BSF and other agencies," he stated, "the Army has to develop intelligence abilities, including signal and human intelligence, and the new Dhubri camp will be helpful."
Borthakur continued, "India has long been concerned about smuggling, illegal migration, cattle smuggling, and the growing threat of fundamentalist activities."
He stressed, "The new camp is a good step in ensuring more preparedness by the security forces."

In response to communal unrest during the Eid-ul-Zuha celebration, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had stated in June that the state administration was considering the possibility of establishing a permanent Army camp to bolster the security apparatus in the "sensitive" Dhubri district.