In a significant addition to India’s security framework in the northeast, the Indian Army has inaugurated a new military base in the Dhubri district of Assam, situated close to the India-Bangladesh border. Officially named the Lachit Borphukan Military Station, this facility is strategically positioned near Bamunigaon, approximately 40 kilometers from the border, and is anticipated to boost border surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid response capabilities.
This military installation marks the first major Army base in western Assam, coming at a critical time as it lies near the Siliguri Corridor, a vital and narrow lifeline that connects the North East to the rest of India. Defence analysts view this move as a reactive measure to evolving regional dynamics, particularly in light of the recent political changes in Bangladesh with the establishment of a caretaker government.
Intelligence reports have suggested an emerging alignment between Bangladesh and Pakistan, raising concerns following observations of Chinese activity around the Lalmonirhat airfield, which poses a strategic challenge.
The foundation stone of the Lachit Borphukan Military Station was laid by Lieutenant General R.C. Tiwari, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command. Under the administrative purview of the Tezpur-based IV Corps, the base is expected to host around 1,200 to 1,500 troops at the outset. The Army aims to achieve operational readiness swiftly; therefore, pre-fabricated infrastructures are being deployed, facilitated by the Assam government that ensured a prompt land transfer for the establishment.
Defence spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mahendra Rawat highlighted that the new military station will significantly enhance the operational capabilities and infrastructure of the Indian Army, enabling more effective monitoring of activities in sensitive border areas. He assured that the base would bolster safety and stability for local residents, who have frequently faced cross-border criminal activities and militancy.
In addition to housing a para-commando unit, the base is set to play a crucial role in regional intelligence operations, combining human intelligence (HUMINT) and signal intelligence (SIGINT) to combat smuggling, infiltration, and extremist movements that traverse the porous border.
Retired Brigadier Ranjit Kumar Borthakur emphasized the necessity for heightened vigilance, noting that the recent diplomatic interactions between Bangladesh and Pakistan signal concerning trends of polarization in the region.
The establishment of the Dhubri base is expected to enhance command and control redundancy while complementing other military facilities in nearby Cooch Behar and Tamulpur, thereby broadening the Army’s operational depth in the region.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has applauded the initiative, describing Dhubri as a sensitive district requiring a robust military presence. He underscored the successful collaboration between his government and the Army as a model of effective civil-military cooperation aimed at bolstering national security.
Beyond its immediate military implications, the Lachit Borphukan Military Station aligns with Assam’s broader efforts to address illegal migration, smuggling, and extremist infiltration from across the border. Named after one of Assam’s most revered historical figures, Lachit Borphukan, the base symbolizes a steadfast commitment to safeguarding India’s territorial integrity. Once fully operational, it is poised to play a pivotal role in India’s counter-infiltration and surveillance framework, reinforcing the security of the nation’s northeastern frontier.
