Concerns Raised Over Unfenced India-Bangladesh Border by West Bengal Governor

West Bengal Governor RN Ravi has raised significant concerns regarding the security of the India-Bangladesh border, highlighting that a 300-km stretch remains unfenced due to delays by the Trinamool Congress government. This vulnerability poses a threat to national security, particularly affecting the chicken neck corridor that connects Northeast India with the rest of the country. Despite a High Court order, the state government has not transferred the necessary land to the Border Security Force, complicating efforts to secure the border. The Governor also noted demographic changes in the region that further exacerbate security risks. However, he assured that the Central government has deployed adequate troops to mitigate potential threats.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 31, 2026, 09:04 IST

Security Issues at the India-Bangladesh Border

A file image of West Bengal Governor RN Ravi

GUWAHATI, May 31: West Bengal Governor RN Ravi has expressed serious concerns regarding national security, highlighting that a significant stretch of the India-Bangladesh border remains unfenced. This vulnerability has persisted for years, particularly affecting the chicken neck corridor that links Northeast India with the rest of the nation.

In a recent interview, the Governor disclosed that approximately 300 kilometers of the border in West Bengal lacks fencing due to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government's failure to allocate the necessary land to the Central government. This unfenced area includes sensitive districts such as Murshidabad, Malda, and Nadia.

Ravi noted that despite a High Court ruling, the TMC administration has not transferred the land to the Border Security Force (BSF). He stated, “While the TMC government has not outright refused to provide the land, it has consistently delayed the process under various pretexts. The Centre had already allocated funds for the land, yet the TMC has been stalling the paperwork.”

The Governor emphasized that while the responsibility for securing the international border lies with the Central government, the land ownership rests with the State government, which complicates the situation. Consequently, the Centre cannot compel a State government to relinquish land.

Moreover, the TMC government has obstructed the establishment of BSF cantonments and camps in the region, leaving the entire 300-km stretch of the international border exposed for years, thereby threatening national security.

It is noteworthy that following the BJP's assumption of power in West Bengal, the government has initiated the process of transferring land to the BSF for fencing construction. This will enable the BSF to establish camps along the international border.

Regarding the chicken neck corridor, the Governor acknowledged that demographic changes over the years have rendered the area increasingly vulnerable. He also pointed out that the demographics of four adjacent districts in Bihar have shifted significantly.

“The chicken neck is crucial for connecting the Northeast, and any disruption in this area could isolate the region from the rest of India. Therefore, the changing demographic patterns are a significant concern,” he remarked.

Nevertheless, Ravi assured that the Central government has deployed sufficient troops in the region to avert any potential incidents.