Why in the News?

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted the significance of the Siliguri corridor as a crucial link to Northeast India and said that the presence of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in the area comes as an assurance to the entire country.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• About Siliguri Corridor (Background, Geography, Significance, Economic Importance, Challenge, etc.)
• About SSB
• News Summary

About Siliguri Corridor:

• The Siliguri Corridor, often referred to as the "Chicken's Neck", is a narrow stretch of land in the Indian state of West Bengal.
• It connects the northeastern states of India with the rest of the country. Its geopolitical, strategic, and economic significance makes it a critical asset for India.
• Geographical Overview:
  • Location: The corridor is situated in the northern part of West Bengal, spanning approximately 22 kilometres at its narrowest point.
  • Borders: It is flanked by Nepal to the west, Bhutan to the north, and Bangladesh to the south.
  • Connectivity: It links the North-eastern Region (NER) comprising eight states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura—to mainland India.

Significance of Siliguri Corridor:

• National Security:
  • The corridor is crucial for maintaining India’s territorial integrity. Any compromise in the region can isolate the northeastern states from the rest of India.
  • The area is vulnerable to external threats, especially given its proximity to the China-Bhutan border in the north and Bangladesh in the south.
• Military Importance:
  • The corridor serves as a vital supply route for the Indian Army, particularly for accessing forward bases in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
  • It is critical for India’s preparedness against China, especially in light of past conflicts like the 1962 Sino-Indian War and the ongoing border tensions.
• Geopolitical Sensitivity:
  • Its proximity to China’s Chumbi Valley (a tri-junction of India, Bhutan, and China) poses a strategic challenge. Control over this area could jeopardize India’s access to the Northeast.

Economic Importance:

• Trade and Connectivity:
  • The Siliguri Corridor is a gateway for trade between mainland India and its north-eastern states, facilitating the movement of goods and services.
  • It connects to important international trade routes, including access to Bhutan and Nepal.
• Tourism Hub:
  • The region is a base for tourism to destinations like Darjeeling, Gangtok, and Bhutan, contributing significantly to local and national economies.
• Developmental Integration:
  • The corridor supports initiatives like the Act East Policy, which aims to integrate north-eastern states with Southeast Asia for economic development.

Challenges:

• Geographical Vulnerability:
  • The narrow width of the corridor makes it highly susceptible to natural disasters like floods and earthquakes, which could disrupt connectivity.
• Security Concerns:
  • Cross-border terrorism, illegal migration, and smuggling from Bangladesh add to the security challenges.
  • The region has seen insurgency issues in the past, requiring constant vigilance.
• Infrastructure Gaps:
  • Despite its importance, the corridor faces infrastructural deficits, including poor road and rail connectivity, hindering efficient transport and logistics.

Government Initiatives:

• Border Infrastructure Development:
  • Investments in road and rail networks, including the Bharatmala Pariyojana and Golden Quadrilateral, aim to strengthen connectivity in the region.
• Act East Policy:
  • This policy focuses on improving trade and cultural ties with Southeast Asia, with the Siliguri Corridor acting as a vital link.
• Strategic Rail and Air Connectivity:
  • The development of Bagdogra Airport and improved rail connectivity through Northeast Frontier Railways enhances accessibility and economic prospects.
• Integrated Check Posts (ICPs):
  • Modern ICPs along the borders of Nepal and Bangladesh are being developed to streamline trade and security.

About Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB):

• It is a border guarding force of India deployed along its borders with Nepal and Bhutan.
• The force was originally set up under the name Special Service Bureau in 1963 in the aftermath of the Indo-China War to strengthen India's border areas against enemy operations. 

News Summary:

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the strategic importance of the Siliguri Corridor, also known as the Chicken’s Neck, during the 61st Foundation Day celebrations of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in Siliguri.
• This narrow stretch of land in West Bengal is critical due to its proximity to neighbouring countries like China, with a width of about 20 km and a length of 60 km.
• Shah praised the SSB for ensuring security along the 2,450 km border with Nepal and Bhutan and expressed confidence in their ability to protect India's borders.
• He highlighted the SSB’s significant role in eradicating left-wing extremism in Bihar and Jharkhand, declaring both states free of such threats.
• He also commended the SSB's efforts in fostering cultural integration in border villages, strengthening ties between border communities and the Indian mainstream.
• During the event, Shah inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for infrastructure projects for the SSB, including residential complexes at Agartala and Petrapole.
• The Home Minister's remarks underscored the corridor's critical role in India's security and its integration with the Northeast.