Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Amit Shah Orders Expanded Security Presence in Siliguri Corridor
Amit Shah held a meeting about keeping the Siliguri Corridor safe.
The corridor is a narrow stretch connecting northeastern India with the rest of the country.
He asked government agencies to open more offices and facilities there.
He also wanted them to protect important buildings and projects.
Officials were told to prevent encroachments and illegal immigration.
Shah asked West Bengal to strengthen Civil Defence and Home Guards.
He also suggested exploring more Sainik schools and increasing senior NCC cadets in North Bengal.
The meeting brought together many agencies involved in border security and infrastructure.
Amit Shah directed agencies to establish more institutions and increase their presence in the Siliguri Corridor.
The Home Minister ordered measures against encroachments and illegal immigration in the strategically important passage.
Officials reviewed security for vital installations, infrastructure projects, border affairs and demographic changes.
Shah urged West Bengal to strengthen Civil Defence and Home Guards and consider more Sainik schools in North Bengal.
The meeting included central and state officials, the Army, BSF, SSB, RPF and other security agencies.
- Who
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah, West Bengal officials, and representatives of central agencies and security forces.
- What
- A security review of the Siliguri Corridor and directions to increase institutional presence, protect vital installations, prevent encroachments and stop illegal immigration.
- When
- Saturday, during Amit Shah’s two-day visit to Siliguri; the report was published on August 23, 2026.
- Where
- The Siliguri Corridor in North Bengal, West Bengal.
- Why
- The corridor is a strategically important link between the northeastern states and the rest of India and lies near several international borders.
- Corridor dimensions
- Approximately 60 kilometres long and 22 kilometres wide.
- Common name
- The corridor is colloquially known as the “Chicken Neck.”
- Strategic role
- It connects India’s eight northeastern states with the rest of the country.
- Security concerns
- Encroachments, illegal immigration, demographic changes, border affairs and protection of vital installations.
- Agencies represented
- The Army, Border Security Force, Sashastra Seema Bal, Railway Protection Force and other central and state agencies attended.
- West Bengal measures
- Shah urged stronger Civil Defence and Home Guards, more Sainik schools in North Bengal and more senior NCC cadets.
- Security framework
- Shah directed agencies to fully implement a quadrangular approach to border security.