In a proactive move to reinforce national security in the highly sensitive Siliguri Corridor—popularly known as the Chicken’s Neck—the police and administrative authorities have imposed a blanket ban on the sale, manufacture and rental of army-style uniforms across Darjeeling district, including Siliguri.
The decision comes amid rising concerns that such clothing may be misused by miscreants to conduct attacks under the guise of armed forces personnel.
The directive follows intelligence inputs and local allegations indicating that readymade garments resembling military attire are being sold in various markets across Siliguri. Moreover, tailor shops in several localities—namely Pradhannagar, Bhaktinagar, Shalugara and Champasari—are reportedly engaged in stitching clothes using fabric mimicking military camouflage.
In response, the authorities enacted the ban on Tuesday night, aiming to shut down any avenue that may facilitate identity-based infiltration or sabotage operations.
Following the enforcement of the ban, officials from the Darjeeling district administration and Siliguri police commissionerate convened meetings with cloth merchants, tailors and other business stakeholders to inform them about the new regulations. Simultaneously, surveillance and monitoring have been intensified by both the police and the Indian Army to ensure strict adherence.
“We have already held discussions with traders. Clothes resembling army uniforms must not be produced or sold. Tailors have been notified of the prohibition,” said Darjeeling superintendent of police Praveen Prakash.
Tailor shops, social media under scanner
The police have been instructed to compile a detailed list of tailors and businesses involved in making or selling army-style garments. As part of the crackdown, tailoring registers and inventory logs will be regularly inspected to identify any illegal activity. Cloth traders are also under similar scrutiny.
Siliguri’s deputy commissioner of police Bishwachand Thakur said, “Only army personnel are authorised to wear military uniforms. A thorough audit of tailoring shops and traders is underway. Registers will be checked frequently to ensure compliance.”
In addition to the crackdown on illegal uniforms, police forces have ramped up surveillance of social media platforms across North Bengal. Authorities are on high alert for content that is anti-national, misleading or provocative. Any such digital activity is being closely monitored and swiftly addressed to prevent unrest or misinformation campaigns.
Historical precedents drive stringent action
The move is underscored by historical instances where terrorists have exploited army uniforms to execute attacks. Notably, Pakistani militants involved in the recent Pahalgam massacre and the Pathankot airbase attack in 2016 were disguised in military attire, allowing them to bypass initial security layers undetected. These chilling precedents have compelled law enforcement to eliminate all possibilities of similar tactics being repeated.
The Chicken Neck, or Siliguri Corridor, is a narrow land bridge approximately 21 kilometers wide at its thinnest point. This strip is of immense strategic value as it connects India’s northeastern states to the mainland and shares international borders with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. Any security lapse in this region could pose a serious threat to national integrity and connectivity.
Following heightened tensions with Pakistan, both the centre and state governments have prioritised bolstering security in the region. The recent measures are part of a broader initiative to safeguard this geopolitically crucial zone.
With law enforcement on high alert and rigorous monitoring underway, the administration has made it clear that no compromise will be tolerated when it comes to internal security. The joint efforts of the police, army and civilian stakeholders aim to keep the Chicken Neck region secure, preventing any malicious forces from exploiting disguises or weaknesses in the system.
