Assam: Retired Army Chief warns of growing extremism in Bangladesh, urges vigilance in Northeast

Guwahati: Former Chief of the Eastern Command, Lt Gen R.P. Kalita (Retd.), has raised alarms about the growing influence of fundamentalist forces in Bangladesh and stressed the need for heightened vigilance in India, especially concerning its northeastern region and the China border.

Lt Gen Kalita warned that the political shifts under the Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh have facilitated the rise of fundamentalist elements that now pose a direct threat to India’s security.

These groups, he explained, are increasingly active near the northeastern states bordering Bangladesh and could jeopardize India’s strategic interests in the region.

On the northern frontier, Lt Gen Kalita pointed out that both India and China are rapidly expanding their military and logistical infrastructures along the border.

He highlighted the significant improvements in logistics, the establishment of helipads and airfields, and other preparations made to address any future security challenges.

The retired Army commander also noted the strides India has made in strengthening its border regions, particularly in the remote areas of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand.

Infrastructure improvements, coupled with enhanced data and mobile network coverage, have further bolstered security along these critical areas.

While recognizing India’s progress in fortifying its borders, Lt Gen Kalita emphasized that the country must remain vigilant and maintain high readiness levels to secure its sovereignty and preserve stability, particularly in the volatile northeastern frontier.