AIMIM leader says won’t allow Indian Army to secure Siliguri corridor, provokes debate
The Siliguri Corridor, often described as India’s “Chicken’s Neck”, has come under renewed attention following a statement by AIMIM leader Tauseef Alam where he said that the “Indian Army won’t be allowed in Kishanganj to secure the Siliguri corridor”. His remark on how the Indian Army won’t be allowed in Kishanganj to secure the Siliguri corridor places a politically sensitive lens on one of India’s most critical strategic zones, where geography and national security are closely intertwined. The Geography That Defines Vulnerability The Siliguri Corridor is a narrow strip of land located in northern West Bengal, measuring barely 20–22 kilometres at its narrowest point. Despite its small size, the corridor holds immense significance as it serves as the only land link between India and the Northeastern states, making it indispensable for the movement of people, goods and crucially, military resources. What makes the corridor particularly sensitive is its geographic positioning. Flanked by Nepal to the west, Bangladesh to the east and Bhutan to the north, it lies in close proximity to Tibet’s Chumbi Valley. This positioning creates a strategic chokepoint, where even limited disruption could have far-reaching consequences. The origins of this vulnerability trace back to the Partition of 1947, when the creation of East Pakistan now Bangladesh severed the natural land continuity between India’s northeast and the rest of the country. Since then, the Siliguri Corridor has remained the sole terrestrial bridge, carrying not just movement and trade, but the continuity of India’s territorial connection with its northeastern region. A Lifeline for Security and Economy The importance of the Siliguri Corridor extends across multiple dimensions. From a military standpoint, it is central to India’s ability to deploy troops and maintain supply lines to sensitive border areas such as Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. In the event of a conflict, particularly involving China, any disruption to this corridor could isolate the entire northeastern region, making it a critical vulnerability in India’s defence framework. Economically, the corridor functions as a vital artery. It facilitates the transportation of essential commodities, fuel and infrastructure supplies into the northeast, while also enabling trade from the region. Its role becomes even more significant within the framework of India’s “Act East Policy”, which seeks to strengthen connectivity with Southeast Asia. The region’s demographic composition and proximity to international borders add another layer of complexity. Concerns related to cross-border movement, illegal infiltration, and localised tensions have periodically drawn attention from security agencies, reinforcing the need for sustained vigilance and administrative oversight. Strengthening the Corridor Recognising its importance, India has undertaken multiple measures to strengthen the corridor. These include expanding road and rail networks, improving surveillance systems, and establishing military presence in nearby areas to ensure rapid deployment capabilities. The objective has been to reduce vulnerability while maintaining uninterrupted connectivity. Alongside physical infrastructure, there has also been a growing emphasis on creating redundancy in connectivity. Efforts to develop alternative routes through neighbouring countries, particularly Bangladesh, as well as increased use of air connectivity and inland waterways, reflect an attempt to reduce overdependence on a single narrow stretch. While these measures cannot replace the corridor entirely, they serve as important buffers in times of disruption. The Kishanganj Controversy In this context, areas such as Kishanganj in Bihar have gained prominence due to their proximity to the corridor. Strengthening military infrastructure in such locations is often viewed as a preventive measure, aimed at improving response time and reinforcing security arrangements around this critical stretch. Kishanganj’s geographic location places it within a wider security grid that connects Bihar, West Bengal and the northeastern states. Its logistical value lies not just in proximity, but in its potential to support rapid mobilisation and coordination across adjoining regions. Any administrative hesitation in such areas therefore carries implications that extend beyond district-level considerations. It is within this framework that Tauseef Alam’s remarks assume significance. His opposition to the reported proposal of allowing Indian Army presence in Kishanganj has been viewed by some as resistance to a security-oriented measure. At the same time, such positions are often framed by local political actors in terms of land concerns, potential displacement, or the impact of military infrastructure on civilian life. Tauseef Alam: Political Background in Context An AIMIM politician from Bihar, Tauseef Alam has a significant political presence in the Kishanganj region. He began his career in local governance, serving as a mukhya, before moving into state-level politics. He rose to prominence after being elected to the Bihar Legislative Assembly from Bahadurganj as an independent candidate, later aligning with the Indian National Congress. He went on to retain his seat across multiple elections, establishing a strong and consistent electoral base in the constituency. In recent years, Alam shifted his political affiliation to AIMIM, where his positioning has centred on issues of representation and civil rights, particularly within minority communities. His political approach has largely reflected local concerns in Kishanganj, a constituency shaped by distinct demographic and socio-political dynamics. His recent remark opposing the presence of the Indian Army in Kishanganj needs to be viewed in this context. However, given the district’s proximity to the strategically critical Siliguri Corridor, such positions extend beyond local considerations and intersect with broader national security concerns. AIMIM and Its Political Positioning The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), led by Asaduddin Owaisi, has in recent years expanded its political presence beyond its traditional base in Hyderabad to states such as Bihar, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh. The party positions itself around issues of representation and civil rights for the Muslim community, engaging with concerns raised by them. In constituencies like Kishanganj, where demographic dynamics play a significant role in electoral politics, AIMIM’s positions are shaped by local considerations. Opposition to certain state-led initiatives, including security measures, may be articulated within the framework of protecting community interests and civil liberties. However, such positions are closely examined when they intersect with areas of strategic importance. The Siliguri Corridor, given its role in maintaining India’s territorial and logistical continuity, falls squarely within that category. The situation highlights a
Zubeen Garg died due to ‘accidental drowning’, says Singapore – rules out any malice
Zubeen Garg died due to ‘accidental drowning’, says Singapore, rules out any malice. While the tragic demise of India’s legendary singer, Zubeen Garg, continues to haunt his ever-loving fans, the latest development from the adjudicating authorities of Singapore has led to a fresh wave of controversy. The Singapore State Coroner ruled that Zubeen Garg died due to drowning in the sea near Lazarus Island on September 19, 2025, affirming the previous findings of the Singapore Police Coast Guard’s (PCG). The judgment relied on Witnesses, who had testified that the Late Singer had consumed alcohol prior to the incident, and eventually, he removed his life jacket and refused to wear one during a second attempt to swim. The coroner further reportedly held, that there was no evidence that the swimmers rescuing him had any malice, and as such, had deliberately held his face underwater. Further, the Coroner reportedly also held, that “In circumstances where the police have established that there is no foul play involved, and the public prosecutor has concurred with this conclusion, it would be improper for the coroner to make a finding that criminal offences were committed.” As specified, previously, the Singapore Police Coast Guard’s (PCG) had already held that there was no foul play in the death of the legendary singer, and ruled the death an accidental drowning. Consequently, The Coroner has upheld the previous findings, with the state Coroner, Adam Nakhoda, stating that the PCG had conducted a comprehensive and thorough investigation in this case. He affirmed previous report of the PCG, and held that Garg’s death was “simply due to an unfortunate and tragic accidental drowning.” Authorities in Singapore and in India are supposedly in close co-ordination over investigation of the matter. To that end, on 29th of September, 2025, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam had submitted a request to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), seeking the invocation of Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with Singapore. Consequently, it was reported by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam on 30th of September, 2025, that the Government of India had formally invoked the MLAT. The invocation of MLAT, at that time, had provided a glimmer of hope for everyone in India. Collection of crucial evidence from the place of occurrence was vastly seen as the first vital first step to ensure that justice is meted out to Assam’s most beloved son, Zubeen Garg. In the backdrop of the latest interesting twist, it is important to revisit the fact that the Centre had previously already invoked the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT), over Zubeen Garg’s tragic demise. To summarize, MLAT is a mechanism whereby countries enter into agreements, ensuring co-operation with one another, in order to provide and obtain formal assistance in prevention, suppression, investigation and prosecution of crime in different countries. As such, MLATs in criminal matters are the bilateral treaties, entered between the countries for providing international cooperation and assistance. It is worthy to note that India and Singapore had entered into a bilateral agreement for Mutual Legal Assistance in 2005. Apart from Singapore, India has entered into such MLATs with nearly 40+ countries. Article 1 of the MLAT between India and Singapore outlines the scope of mutual Legal Assistance between both the countries, envisaging assistance in areas such as location and identification of persons, service of documents, taking of evidence, search and seizure, and other assistance as may be agreed and which is consistent with the objects of this Agreement and the laws of the Requested State. As such, the question remains, what would be the significance of the ruling of the State Coroner of Singapore, in the proceedings underway in Assam? Despite the fact that the Singaporean authorities have consistently given a clean chit to all supposed perpetrators, the reality in India, and specifically in Assam, remains vastly different. Recently, The Hon’ble Gauhati High Court has set up a fast-track court. The same was done upon a request made from the Assam government, following a Cabinet decision taken on February 26, 2026. Vide the said direction, The Hon’ble Gauhati High Court has given the Sessions Court, which is where the trial is underway, a one-year deadline to conclude proceedings from the date of its first sitting. However, the trial court is given the possibility of an extension, if deemed necessary by the Hon’ble Gauhati High Court. Amidst the reports from Singapore consistently ruling out any sort of malice, the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Gaurav Gogoi, expressed shock and disappointment over the verdict delivered by Singaporean coroner, in connection to the death of heartthrob Zubeen Garg. Addressing the media, Gaurav Gogoi exclaimed that after the tragic demise, the Government of India and the Government of Singapore had signed a special legal agreement, i.e., MLAT, to ascertain the true facts. Gaurav Gogoi stated with disappointment – “We expected that there would be discussions with the Singapore Police and the Singapore Home Ministry and that information would be exchanged. We have heard what the Chief Minister said on the floor of the Assembly regarding Zubeen Garg’s death. The Chief Minister had stated in the Assembly that Zubeen Garg was murdered. At the same time, proceedings were ongoing in Singapore and the hearings had begun. However, the Singapore investigation concluded that it was a natural death, and today the court has delivered its verdict based on that finding… Himanta Biswa Sarma himself had said that if justice is not delivered to Zubeen Garg before the Assembly elections, people of Assam should not vote for the BJP. Does he remember that statement today? People are finding it difficult to trust the investigation into Zubeen Garg’s death. They are watching and wondering what is really happening. Instead of ensuring justice, the BJP has resorted to character assassination of Zubeen Garg. The Chief Minister does not want to speak on this matter. We never expected such a verdict in Zubeen’s case, and like us, many others are finding it hard to believe.” In contrast, the hon’ble