‘No need to worry about Chicken’s Neck’: Kiren Rijiju

TAWANG

Interview/ Kiren Rijiju, Union minister of parliamentary affairs

THE SILIGURI CORRIDOR, also known as the Chicken’s Neck, has long been regarded as one of India’s most vulnerable strategic chokepoints. This narrow strip of land, wedged between Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, is the only land bridge connecting the northeast to the rest of the country. For decades, strategists have warned of its exposure to potential Chinese advances from the Chumbi Valley, where the borders of India, Bhutan and China converge.

In recent months, remarks from certain sections of Bangladesh’s erstwhile interim government about the corridor’s perceived vulnerability have reignited debate over its security. The discussion has gathered momentum even as China continues to assert claims over parts of Arunachal Pradesh.

With the new government led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party now in office in Dhaka, New Delhi is watching developments closely. In an exclusive interview with THE WEEK, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju, who hails from Arunachal Pradesh, dismisses alarmism. He says India’s eastern defences have been comprehensively strengthened over the past decade, from enhanced military deployments and upgraded border infrastructure to the repopulation of frontier villages. “There is no need to worry about Chicken’s Neck. Our security posture is stronger than ever before,” he says. Excerpts from the interview:

Q/ How do you see the recent veiled references to the Siliguri corridor becoming a security flashpoint?

There is no immediate cause for concern. Since 2014, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s security doctrine has undergone a strategic shift. All policies now factor in national security considerations. Border areas that were once vulnerable have been strengthened, both militarily and through infrastructure development. The Siliguri corridor is well protected, and our formations there are formidable.

Q/ What are the key changes on the ground in border regions?

One major change is the Vibrant Villages Programme, under which border villages are treated as the “first villages” of India. Earlier, migration and thinning of the population were serious concerns. People left in search of better education, health care and livelihood, leaving border areas sparsely populated. That created vulnerability. Now, roads, electricity, water supply, mobile connectivity and economic opportunities are being ensured so that residents can stay and thrive. A stable local population strengthens national security.

Q/ How would you describe India’s military posture along the China border today?

It is no longer defensive. Deployment is layered, intense and modernised. The Army presence is strong, supported by advanced equipment and surveillance. Border guarding forces are fully active. Compared to 1962, when India was overrun in several sectors, the situation today is entirely different. Preparedness levels are high, and vigilance is constant.

Q/ There have been reports of strengthened deployments in the Siliguri corridor.

Strengthening deployments is part of a broader strategic recalibration after 2014. The posture has shifted from reactive to proactive. Infrastructure for defence and civilian life has expanded simultaneously. There is no specific new threat driving panic. Rather, it is a matter of long-term preparedness. There is no need to worry about Chicken’s Neck. Our security posture is stronger than ever.

Q/ In Parliament, tribute was paid to former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia. How do you view that in the context of bilateral relations?

That falls under foreign policy, which is handled by the external affairs ministry. From a security standpoint, India remains confident and fully prepared.

Q/ China continues renaming places in Arunachal Pradesh. Does that affect India’s position?

Not at all. Renaming exercises do not alter ground realities. People in Arunachal Pradesh remain deeply connected to their identity and traditional names. Such statements from China have no impact on our approach.

Q/ There have been instances of our youth going missing near the border.

The line of actual control is undefined in several stretches. Local hunters sometimes stray across unknowingly in difficult terrain. These incidents occur because of geography, not because of any systemic security lapse.